Fact Check: "Senate Majority Leader John Thune may ignore the parliamentarian's ruling."
What We Know
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has publicly stated that the Senate will not overrule the parliamentarian, Elizabeth MacDonough, following her ruling that several key provisions in the GOP's spending bill do not comply with Senate rules. Specifically, Thune emphasized that overriding the parliamentarian's decision would not be a viable option for advancing legislation (Newsweek, Politico). This ruling is significant as it could impede the passage of the GOP's flagship bill, which includes controversial provisions related to Medicaid and tax cuts (ABC News).
Thune's comments came amidst frustration from some Republican senators who have suggested that MacDonough's rulings were detrimental to their legislative agenda. Despite this dissatisfaction, Thune reiterated that the Senate would respect the parliamentarian's authority, stating, "No, that would not be a good option for getting a bill done" (Politico, Washington Examiner).
Analysis
The claim that "Senate Majority Leader John Thune may ignore the parliamentarian's ruling" is misleading. Thune has explicitly stated that the Senate will not overrule the parliamentarian, which indicates a commitment to following Senate rules and procedures. His statements reflect a broader understanding within the Senate that the parliamentarian's role is crucial in maintaining legislative integrity and order.
The reliability of the sources reporting on Thune's statements is strong. Newsweek, Politico, and ABC News are established news organizations with a history of political reporting. They provide context and details about the ongoing legislative process and the implications of the parliamentarian's ruling, which adds credibility to their coverage (Newsweek, Politico, ABC News). Furthermore, Thune's own words, as reported by these outlets, reinforce the assertion that he does not intend to ignore the parliamentarian's ruling.
Critically, the frustration expressed by some Republican senators does not translate into an actionable plan to override the parliamentarian. Thune's rejection of such measures suggests a strategic decision to work within the established rules rather than attempt to circumvent them, which would likely lead to greater legislative chaos and potential backlash (Washington Examiner, ABC News).
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that Senate Majority Leader John Thune may ignore the parliamentarian's ruling is false. Thune has clearly stated that the Senate will not overrule the parliamentarian, indicating a commitment to adhering to Senate rules and procedures. His statements, supported by credible news sources, demonstrate a clear intention to respect the authority of the parliamentarian, rather than ignore it.
Sources
- May 1, 2025 The Honorable John Thune Majority Leader ...
- Thune says Senate won't overrule parliamentarian - POLITICO
- John Thune Says Senate Won't Overrule Parliamentarian On ... - Newsweek
- Thune rejects GOP calls to sideline Senate parliamentarian - Washington Examiner
- Senate GOP 'frustrated' by parliamentarian's Medicaid ruling in Trump's ...