The Senate parliamentarian is replaced very infrequently, as there have only been six official parliamentarians since the position was formally established in 1935.
Key Tenure Rules and Facts
- No Term Limits: The parliamentarian does not serve a fixed term. They typically hold the position until they choose to resign, retire, or are dismissed.
- Apolitical Retention: Even though the position is appointed by the Senate majority leader (via the Senate secretary), the parliamentarian is a nonpartisan referee. Historically, they are regularly kept in their roles regardless of which political party wins the Senate majority.
- Dismissal is Rare: A Senate majority leader has the outright authority to fire the parliamentarian, but this has happened only once in modern history. In 2001, Republican Majority Leader Trent Lott dismissed Robert Dove after a dispute regarding budget reconciliation rules.
- Long Lifespans in Office: Because changes are rare, individuals usually serve for decades. For example, the first official parliamentarian, Charles Watkins, served from 1935 to 1964. The current parliamentarian, Elizabeth MacDonough, has held the position since 2012, safely maintaining her role despite shifts in party control and calls for her removal.
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