The Charlie Kirk Show Who Rules: The People or the Parliamentarian?
Jun 30, 2025
Markwayne Mullin, Oklahoma Senator and ex-MMA fighter, dives into the legislative labyrinth, discussing the recently passed Big Beautiful Bill. He reveals the critical role of the Senate parliamentarian in shaping outcomes, pondering who truly wields power—elected officials or unelected staff. Mullin critiques the impact of these officials on vital issues like SALT deductions and emphasizes the need for Congress to prioritize voter concerns, calling for a unified Republican front to navigate the complexities of Senate dynamics and restore true representation.
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Power of Senate Parliamentarian
- Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth McDonough has major influence on reconciliation bill contents despite being unelected.
- The Senate can override her rulings but it requires significant political will and votes.
Byrd Rule Limits Override Power
- Byrd rule limits reconciliation bills to mandatory spending and taxes, excluding most policy changes.
- Overriding the parliamentarian's ruling on bills requires 60 votes, making simple majority override impossible.
Negotiate for Bill Inclusion
- When a provision is struck down, negotiate wording with the parliamentarian for compliance.
- Use language tweaks to keep core objectives within budgetary rules.