Elizabeth MacDonough, Senate parliamentarian. Govinfo.gov
Progressive Democrats went through the roof. Sen. Bernie Sanders said, “I regard it as absurd that the parliamentarian, a Senate staffer elected by no one, can prevent a wage increase for 32 million workers.”
But MacDonough was just carrying out her procedural duties to advise the Senate leaders about what the body’s rules and precedents allow – and what they don’t. And as the author of two books about Congress – “Congressional Practice and Procedure” and “The Polarized Congress” – I know that the parliamentarian’s rulings can be key to passage of legislation.
Low-key office
The obscure, unelected Senate official whose rulings can help – or kill – a bill s chance to pass theconversation.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from theconversation.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
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Print article The Biden administration is defending a Southwest Alaska land swap that was supported by the Trump administration, which aims to allow construction of an 11-mile road through the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge. Residents in the Alaska Peninsula community of King Cove have long sought the road, arguing it would provide access to emergency care, but conservation groups have sued to stop it, citing the importance of the 310,000-acre refuge to migrating waterfowl and other wildlife. The Department of Justice on Monday filed a legal brief in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals defending a 2019 land exchange between the Interior Department and King Cove’s Alaska Native village corporation. The land exchange would pave the way for the road.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska President Joe Biden’s administration is supporting a controversial road through a national wildlife refuge on the remote Alaska Peninsula that is home to migrating waterfowl, continuing the policy of former President Donald Trump. Advocates argue the 11-mile (18-kilometre) segment within the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge to complete an approximately 30-mile (48-kilometre) road […]