Ugly Bill, Uglier Priorities

House Republicans are gearing up to pass the so-called ‘Big Ugly Bill’(officially titled the One Big Beautiful Bill Act), a sweeping proposal that could slash funding for Social Security and welfare programs, while delivering steep tax breaks to the wealthy. 

Showing vulnerability can be a way to garner sympathy -- but claiming minority status as a reason for failure to pass a bill amounts to either an admission of ineffectiveness or, worse, a convenient excuse. 

If those we've supported can't deliver, then our support holds no weight. We're not here to preserve alliances -- we're here to produce results. We will not align blindly. If necessary, we’ll go directly to the GOP and ask them to pass the bill. Change demands outcomes, not symbolism. 

The parliamentarian struck down several provisions -- like barring Medicaid for noncitizens and restricting ACA subsidies for abortion coverage -- as violations of the Byrd Rule, which limits what can be passed through budget reconciliation. 

The Byrd Rule is a Senate rule that governs what can be included in a budget reconciliation bill -- a special type of legislation that allows certain budget-related measures to pass with a simple majority, bypassing the usual 60-vote filibuster threshold. 

The current parliamentarian, Elizabeth MacDonough, has held the role since 2012. She’s the first woman to serve in the position.