A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the Parliamentarian of the Senate should serve not more than 1 term of 6 years.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 311
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-26: Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text: CR S3567)
- Last Updated
- 2025-07-25T10:34:00Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution (S. Res. 311) expresses the non-binding sense of the U.S. Senate that the Parliamentarian of the Senate—a nonpartisan advisor on Senate rules, procedures, and precedents—should serve a limited term to promote accountability and fresh perspectives, rather than indefinite service.
Key Provisions
- Background Context:
- The Parliamentarian serves at the will of the Secretary of the Senate, who is appointed by the Senate's majority leader.
- The role involves advising the Senate's presiding officer on rules and precedents.
- Since 1981, only three individuals have held the position, averaging 15 years each.
- In 2001, the Secretary dismissed a Parliamentarian, showing historical precedent for removal.
- Senate's Stated Positions:
- Acknowledges the Parliamentarian's appointment and removal process.
- Affirms the Senate's commitment to using the "reconciliation process" (a budget-related procedure to bypass filibusters and pass certain fiscal legislation) to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in mandatory spending programs.
- Recommends limiting the Parliamentarian to no more than one 6-year term to avoid entrenchment of power.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This is a resolution expressing the Senate's opinion and does not amend any laws or create enforceable rules. It proposes a voluntary term limit but does not mandate it, leaving the current at-will employment structure unchanged.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Could influence Senate operations by encouraging shorter tenures for the Parliamentarian, potentially leading to more varied interpretations of rules in legislative debates, especially on budget reconciliation bills.
- On Citizens: Indirect effects through smoother or more contested fiscal policy processes, as term limits might reduce perceived biases in advising on spending cuts or reforms.
- On International Relations: None apparent, as this is an internal Senate procedural matter.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Senate Parliamentarian: Directly impacted, as the resolution targets their term length and accountability.
- Secretary of the Senate and Majority Leader: Involved in appointments and potential dismissals; the resolution reinforces their authority while suggesting limits.
- U.S. Senators: All senators benefit from the Parliamentarian's advice, but majority party members may see gains in using reconciliation for policy goals; sponsors (e.g., Senators Marshall, Tuberville, and Blackburn) represent interests in fiscal conservatism.
- Broader Legislative Process: Affects how bills, particularly budget-related ones, are debated and passed.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: No direct legal changes, but it highlights the Parliamentarian's advisory role under Senate rules (not constitutional law). Reinforces the Senate's self-governing authority over internal procedures without altering constitutional separation of powers.
- Political: Politically motivated to curb long-term influence in a key role during polarized debates on spending and reconciliation. Could spark partisan tensions if perceived as targeting specific advice (e.g., on fiscal reforms), but as a non-binding "sense of the Senate," it serves more as a signal for future practices than enforceable policy. Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration for consideration.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Sen. Tuberville, Tommy [R-AL], Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-26: Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text: CR S3567)
- 2025-06-26: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Expressing the sense of the Senate that the Parliamentarian of the Senate should serve not more than 1 term of 6 years. — issued 2025-06-26 — PDF (2 pages)