Tangle Podcast Summary

Title: The "Big Beautiful Bill" Gets a Byrd Bath
Host: Isaac Saul
Release Date: June 26, 2025

Introduction and Corrections

Isaac Saul begins the episode by addressing a correction from the previous podcast. He clarifies that Democratic mayoral candidate Zoran Mandani worked as a campaign manager for Ross Barkin's 2018 State Senate campaign in New York, not a mayoral campaign. This marks Tangle's 138th correction in its 307-week history, emphasizing the podcast's commitment to transparency.

Main Story: Big Beautiful Bill and the Byrd Rule

Danny Pellegrino presents the day's main story, focusing on the Big Beautiful Bill, a reconciliation bill currently navigating through Congress. Key developments include:

• Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth McDonough has initiated rulings based on the Byrd Rule, a procedural constraint preventing non-budgetary provisions from being included in reconciliation bills.

• Provisions Affected:

  • Restrictions on non-citizens receiving SNAP benefits.
  • Mandates for the U.S. Postal Service to sell electric vehicles.
  • Cutting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's funding.
  • Forcing the federal government to sell public lands.

• Political Implications:

  • Senate Republicans face the dilemma of either removing these provisions or attempting to pass the bill through the regular legislative process, which requires a 60-vote majority unlikely to be met given their current Senate majority.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Senator Mike Lee (Utah): "I'm doing everything I can to support President Trump and move this forward." (03:36)
  • Democrats: "The provisions she identified clearly violate the rule of the Byrd rule," praised the parliamentarian's actions. (03:36)

Background on the Byrd Rule:

• Named after Senator Robert C. Byrd, the rule ensures that reconciliation bills focus solely on budgetary matters, preventing unrelated policy changes from being included.

Current Status:

• Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated reluctance to override McDonough's rulings, potentially preserving the integrity of the Byrd Rule and the Senate's filibuster mechanism.

Perspectives from the Right

The right criticizes Parliamentarian McDonough's rulings, arguing they hinder the bill's budgetary goals and Republican agenda.

• The Washington Times Editorial Board asserts that McDonough, an unelected official, wields excessive influence, stating, "Elizabeth McDonough... is using her clout to veto key elements of the House passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act." (10:34)

• National Review's John R. Perry highlights the inevitability of a "birdbath," where Republicans must strip non-budgetary provisions to comply with the Byrd Rule, ultimately weakening the bill. (10:34)

• Deseret News Editorial Board emphasizes the challenges Republicans face in filling the gaps left by the Byrd Rule, especially concerning the sale of public lands. (10:34)

Perspectives from the Left

Conversely, the left lauds McDonough's enforcement of the Byrd Rule, viewing it as a safeguard against legislative overreach.

• American Prospect's David Dayan celebrates the parliamentarian as an "unsung hero," noting her removal of provisions that would undermine constitutional checks and balances. (10:34)

• Common Dreams' Stephen Harper commends McDonough for blocking unconstitutional sections, such as those allowing Trump to bypass federal injunctions, and warns against attempts to override her rulings. (10:34)

• MSNBC's Hays Brown argues that provisions like the sale of public lands primarily benefit the wealthy, further entrenching economic disparities. (10:34)

Isaac Saul's Take

Isaac Saul provides an analysis of the current legislative dynamics:

• Challenges in Legislation: He notes the difficulty in unifying House Republicans and Senate Republicans, given their differing election cycles and constituencies.

• Role of the Parliamentarian: While acknowledging concerns about the concentration of power in an unelected official, Saul argues that the parliamentarian is a necessary check against overly ambitious legislative packages that don't garner broad support.

• Bipartisan Compromise: Saul criticizes Republicans for attempting to pass comprehensive legislation without engaging the opposition, contrasting this with a more collaborative approach that could avoid reliance on the Byrd Rule.

• Key Concerns:

  • Sale of Public Lands: Saul expresses relief over the removal of provisions allowing the sale of public lands, fearing they would benefit ultra-wealthy individuals rather than addressing housing shortages.

  • Health Care Provisions: The parliamentarian's removal of critical health care provisions, resulting in $250 billion in savings being taken out, marks a significant blow to the bill's original intent.

• Notable Quotes:

  • "Legislating is hard... trying to cram every political priority into one giant, big, beautiful bill... is why we increasingly see leaders settle for the easy work of symbolic, illegal or fickle executive action." (19:19)
  • "I'm actually glad to see Majority Leader Thune respecting the parliamentarian's rulings." (19:19)

Questions Answered: Media Figures in Federal Positions

A listener, Keith from North Haven, Connecticut, asks about the implications of prominent media figures being appointed to federal positions by the White House.

Isaac Saul's Response:

• Erosion of Trust: Appointing media personalities to government roles is unconventional and may further erode public trust in institutions.

• Concerns Over Competency: Figures like Pete Hegseth and Jeanine Pirro lack extensive government experience, raising doubts about their suitability for high-ranking positions.

• Potential Incentivization: Such appointments might encourage media personalities to seek political favors, potentially compromising journalistic integrity.

• Notable Quotes:

  • "Trust is generally eroded the other way when people leave government positions for lucrative media spots... but people going from media to government is frankly more concerning to me personally." (26:48)
  • "Appointing people with thin resumes on the basis of political allegiance is a risky move." (26:48)

Under the Radar: New York's Nuclear Power Plant Initiative

Danny Pellegrino highlights New York Governor Kathy Hochul's directive to the state's Power Authority to develop plans for the first new nuclear power plant in decades.

• Goals: Achieve energy independence and bolster economic growth by increasing nuclear capacity from 3.3 GW to approximately 4.3 GW.

• Opposition Concerns: Critics cite the high costs and extended timelines of recent nuclear projects, referencing Georgia's reactors that cost $35 billion and opened seven years late.

• Associated Press Coverage: More details are available here.

Numbers in Focus

• Budget Reconciliation History:

  • Congressional Budget Act Enactment: 1974
  • Byrd Rule Permanent Incorporation: 1990
  • Reconciliation Bills Signed Since 1980: 23

• Legislative Metrics:

  • Average Days from Budget Resolution to Reconciliation Bill Enactment: 152 days
  • Total Byrd Rule Actions in Senate Since 1980: 152

• Public Opinion (June 2025 KFF Poll):

  • Favorable View of Big Beautiful Bill: 35%
  • Unfavorable View: 64%
  • Net Favorability Among Democrats: -72%
  • Net Favorability Among Republicans: +25%

Have a Nice Day: Goliath's Milestone

Goliath, a Galapagos tortoise, celebrated his 135th birthday and became a father for the first time. Weighing 517 pounds and residing at Zoo Miami, Goliath successfully conceived with Sweet Pea, and their hatchling is healthy and active. The zoo has applied to the Guinness Book of World Records to recognize Goliath as the oldest first-time father and both tortoises as the oldest first-time parents.

Conclusion

Isaac Saul wraps up the episode by acknowledging the relentless nature of legislative processes and the significant role of procedural rules like the Byrd Rule in shaping policy outcomes. He emphasizes the importance of respecting institutional norms to ensure a functional and balanced government.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Isaac Saul: "Legislating is hard... the parliamentarian is providing it for them." (19:19)

• Senator Mike Lee: "I'm doing everything I can to support President Trump and move this forward." (03:36)

• Stephen Harper (Common Dreams): "The Senate parliamentarian... blocked this assault on the Constitution." (10:34)

Final Notes:

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