The Senate Parliamentarian is a nonpartisan official who serves as the chief advisor to the U.S. Senate on the interpretation of the chamber's rules, precedents, and procedures. The parliamentarian advises the presiding officer and senators on procedural issues during Senate meetings, offering guidance on how to proceed with legislative activity according to Senate rules. Key duties include:
- Advising the presiding officer on appropriate procedures, statements, and responses during Senate sessions.
- Providing written guidance on procedural questions.
- Recommending the referral of legislative measures to the appropriate committees.
- Maintaining and publishing the procedural rules and precedents of the Senate.
The senate parliamentarian sits on the Senate dais during sessions to provide real-time advice. While the parliamentarian's guidance is influential, it is ultimately up to the presiding officer and the Senate to decide whether to follow it, with the possibility of challenging rulings through points of order and votes. The office of the Senate Parliamentarian was formally established in 1935. The parliamentarian is appointed by the Senate Majority Leader and serves at their discretion, emphasizing the role’s nonpartisan nature. As of now, the current Senate Parliamentarian is Elizabeth MacDonough, who has served since 2012. The parliamentarian is especially important during budget reconciliation processes, where their rulings on what provisions are allowed can influence whether a bill can pass with a simple majority instead of the usual 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster. In summary, the Senate Parliamentarian acts as the referee of Senate rules, helping ensure the legislative process follows established procedures and traditions to maintain order and consistency in how the Senate operates. This role is critical to the functioning of the Senate's legislative and procedural activities.
