Fact Check: "MacDonough has been Senate Parliamentarian since 2012, appointed under Democrats."
What We Know
Elizabeth MacDonough has indeed served as the Senate Parliamentarian since 2012. She was appointed by then-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Democrat, which aligns with the claim that she was appointed under Democrats. MacDonough is the first woman to hold this position, and her role involves providing guidance on the interpretation of Senate rules and procedures (source).
Prior to her appointment, MacDonough had a long history of working in the Senate, including serving as an assistant to the previous Parliamentarian, Alan Frumin. This extensive experience has contributed to her credibility and authority in the role (source).
Analysis
The claim that "MacDonough has been Senate Parliamentarian since 2012, appointed under Democrats" is accurate based on the information available. Her appointment by Harry Reid, a prominent Democratic leader, confirms the assertion that she was appointed during a Democratic majority in the Senate.
However, it is important to note that while MacDonough's appointment was under a Democratic administration, her role as Parliamentarian is intended to be nonpartisan. The Parliamentarian's job is to provide impartial advice on Senate rules, regardless of the political party in power. This nonpartisan expectation is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the Senate's operations (source).
The sources used to verify this information are credible, as they come from established news outlets and official Senate records. However, the context of her appointment and the nature of her role should be considered when evaluating the implications of her being appointed under a specific political party.
Conclusion
Verdict: Needs Research
While the claim that Elizabeth MacDonough has been Senate Parliamentarian since 2012 and was appointed under Democrats is factually correct, further research is needed to explore the implications of her role and the nonpartisan nature of the Parliamentarian's responsibilities. Understanding the broader context of her appointment and the expectations of her position is essential for a complete assessment.
