Thune Accepts Rulings on GOP Medicaid Provisions

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has rejected calls from some Republicans to overrule Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough after she struck down key Medicaid reform provisions in the GOP's major tax and spending bill. MacDonough ruled that several proposed Medicaid changes, including a cap on provider taxes and restrictions on coverage for noncitizens and certain services, violated Senate budget reconciliation rules, threatening hundreds of billions in anticipated savings needed to offset tax cuts. Thune emphasized that overruling the parliamentarian would not aid the bill's passage and indicated Republicans will seek alternative savings that comply with Senate rules. Some House Republicans have voiced frustration and called for MacDonough to be sidelined, but Thune remains committed to working within procedural guidelines. The setback complicates Republican efforts to advance their legislative agenda, but party leaders are determined to find compliant solutions. Discussions between Senate leaders and the parliamentarian are ongoing as they work toward a potential vote.