Senate Majority Leader John Thune Faces Criticism After Canceling Vote on Trump-Backed Bill
Senate Majority Leader John Thune is under fire after abruptly canceling a crucial vote on a sweeping legislative package closely tied to President Trump’s second-term agenda. The move came amid reports that unelected Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough had stripped the bill of key provisions, including controversial cuts to welfare programs, sparking outrage among some Republican senators and renewed debate over the role of non-elected officials in shaping legislation.
The bill, described by the White House as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” was designed to codify several of President Trump’s executive orders and implement DOGE relief measures, while also advancing tax cuts and funding for immigration and defense priorities. However, the legislation was significantly altered following a review by the parliamentarian, who ruled that several provisions did not comply with Senate reconciliation rules, forcing their removal.
Senator Roger Marshall was among the most vocal critics, demanding that Thune fire Parliamentarian MacDonough and proposing term limits for the position to prevent what he called “future interventions” in the legislative process. Marshall and other conservatives argued that the parliamentarian’s decisions undermined the will of elected lawmakers and the priorities of the Republican majority.
Thune, for his part, defended the legislative process but acknowledged the mounting challenges. “Fifty-three members will never agree on every detail of legislation,” Thune said on the Senate floor, urging his colleagues to remain united in their commitment to passing the bill. Despite the internal divisions, Thune reiterated his support for President Trump, especially in the wake of a recent U.S. military strike on Iranian nuclear sites, stating, “I stand with President Trump and pray for our troops.”
The canceled vote has intensified scrutiny of Senate procedures and leadership decisions. The bill’s fate remains uncertain, with House Republicans warning that any major changes made by the Senate could jeopardize its chances of passing in the lower chamber. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, pledged to delay any final vote by forcing a full reading of the 940-page bill on the Senate floor.
As Congress races to meet a self-imposed July 4 deadline to send the bill to the president, the controversy highlights deep divisions not only between parties but also within the Republican ranks over how best to advance Trump’s legislative agenda.