Post Archive
Region: The Thaecian Senate
I vote aye to all Amendments and also the Amendment to Amendment E. I am raising the time limit from 1 to 2 weeks as people might get into different type of troubles in IRL so this might cause them to take an un-notified break from NS. So it would be logical on our part to increase the period from 1 to 2 weeks
The Bigtopia
Aye to every Amendment except Amendment to Amendment E.
The Bigtopia
Aye to Amendments A,B,C,D and E and Aye to Amendment to Amendment E
The Bigtopia
nay to Amendment A Aye to Amendments B- Amendment to Amendment 5
The Bigtopia
I say Aye to Amendments A-E, and Nay to the Amendment on Amendment E. I vote nay to Amend Amendment E for the reasons stated by Chairman Bigtopia.
The Bigtopia
Aye to Amendments A-E. Nay to the Amendment of Amendment E.
The Bigtopia
[spoiler=VOTING RESULTS]
Amendment I: PASSED
Aye (6): Asean Nations
Indian Genius, The Islamic Country Of Honour, Cydoni, Antenion, The Bigtopia
Nay (1): Catlin
AMENDMENT II: PASSED
Aye (7): Asean Nations
Indian Genius, The Islamic Country Of Honour, Cydoni, Antenion, The Bigtopia, Catlin
AMENDMENT III: PASSED
Aye (7): Asean Nations
Indian Genius, The Islamic Country Of Honour, Cydoni, Antenion, The Bigtopia, Catlin
AMENDMENT IV: PASSED
Aye (7): Asean Nations
Indian Genius, The Islamic Country Of Honour, Cydoni, Antenion, The Bigtopia, Catlin
AMENDMENT V: PASSED
Aye (7): Asean Nations
Indian Genius, The Islamic Country Of Honour, Cydoni, Antenion, The Bigtopia, Catlin
AMENDMENT TO AMENDMENT V: FAILED
Aye (3): Asean Nations, The Islamic Country Of Honour, Catlin
Nay (4): Cydoni, Antenion, The Bigtopia, Indian Genius
[/spoiler]
[spoiler=SENATORS]Asean Nations
The Bigtopia[/spoiler]
This bill has now passed through both the Senate and the House of Commons.
Post self-deleted by Catlin.
Post by Catlin suppressed by Senate Chair.
ASEAN Nations
Indian Genius
The Islamic Country of Honour
Cydoni
Antenion
Catlin
The Bigtopia
yo late for the god danm hearing
United States Of Edingbridge
We will begin the Hearing in a minute or two. Six minutes past is not long, and while I apologize for the delay and the suppression, I will not stand for that kind of language in the Senate chamber. I should have mentioned that we would be starting a little bit late due to my having a class until this time.
The Bigtopia, Catlin
Fellow Senators, We start today's business with the Chief Justice Rhyssua's Nomination of Al0Neforever as Deputy Justice before the High Court. I invite nominee Al0Neforever to attend the short hearing which shall last at least 1 hour to respond to possible questions of Senators while debating the Candidacy.
[spoiler=SENATORS]Asean Nations
The Bigtopia[/spoiler]
NOTE: ASEAN Nations is sadly unable to attend
Rhyssua, Xernon, Asean Nations, Zon Island, Al0Neforever
Al0Neforever is the law code part of the constitution true or false
That isn't the sort of questions we will be asking the nominee. This isn't a quiz or test, it's a way to get a better understanding of the nominee and their views and experience
Al0Neforever what are you thoughts on freedom of speech. Would you overturn a freedom of speech bill
The Bigtopia, Al0Neforever
I would like to ask the nominee which political party, if any, most closely resembles your own views in Thaecia, and whether he will continue to be an Independent voter while serving as Thaecia's first Deputy Justice.
Catlin, Zon Island, Al0Neforever
ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE CHAIR
Seeing that the nominee has not yet shown up, we will be extending the hearing for five hours in order to make sure it happens. I have obligations to meet at this time IRL and will not be active for at least the next two hours. The vote will hopefully begin tonight (EST) and close tomorrow morning.
Xernon, Zon Island, Al0Neforever
Sorry for the late response. I fell asleep before it began and apologize for any inconvenience caused. This hearing was at four in the morning for me.
Xernon, The Bigtopia, Asean Nations
Freedom of speech is something vital in every community. Without freedom of speech, no one will be able to speak up and we will be supressing their actions and thoughts. I believe that every citizen can have a say, wheter good or bad, and express their opinions and I would not stand in they way of that. If freedom of speech was supressed, we would be taking the voice of the citizens away from them. If there was a freedom of speech bill, I would not try to overturn it and defend it for everyone must have a say.
I do not feel that any of the parties truly resemble my political views. To answer your next question, I will be an Independant voter while serving as Deputy Justice. I feel that supporting any party would make me biased towards them and if ever confronted in a case, I would support them no matter what illogical thing they have done. Also, I am a man that listens to the citizens. I have my own manifesto and things I want to accomplish and I will not change my true views to that of the party. I only serve the people and do what's best for them and I think joining a party would strip me of that chance and crush my original views because I have to support the party's one.
Rhyssua, Xernon, The Bigtopia, Asean Nations, Zon Island
Any other questions?
Xernon, The Bigtopia
Apologies, the whole hearing was a bit of a mess. I'd understood that it was later than three am. I promise to coordinate better in the future.
Xernon, Asean Nations, Zon Island, Al0Neforever
Will you respect the results of a unicameralism-bicamerism referendum if the side you don't agree with wins
Al0Neforever
It is fine. You do not need to apologize for an error on my part. I should have attended and the blame should go to me, not you
Even though I would disagree with it, I would respect the decisions of the voters and let it happen for it is the citizen's choice and I follow what they want.
Rhyssua, Xernon, The Bigtopia, Catlin
Any other questions?
The Bigtopia
ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE CHAIR
Since Al0Neforever has things to do and no other Senators have come forward with questions, I am closing the hearing. We will begin the vote in a few minutes. I would like to emphasize that the nominee should not be blamed at all for not being at the hearing at first. (I elaborated more on discord)
Xernon, Asean Nations, Al0Neforever
VOTING FOR THE NOMINATION OF AL0NEFOREVER AS DEPUTY JUSTICE
I invite all Senators to cast their votes. Voting will close 11 AM EST
[spoiler=SENATORS]Asean Nations
The Bigtopia[/spoiler]
I vote Aye. The nominee Al0Neforever has good ideas, is intelligent, and will make a great addition to the Judicial branch of Thaecia.
Catlin, Asean Nations, Al0Neforever
aye
The Bigtopia, Al0Neforever
I vote Aye. Based of his answers, I can extrapolate that he is of sound mind, and will be unbiased in his rulings, even in the event he personally disagrees with the argument provided.
Rhyssua, The Bigtopia, Asean Nations, Al0Neforever
I vote Aye, I think he's fit and capable of the job, based on his answers, and he has passed the bar.
The Bigtopia, Al0Neforever
Al0Neforever has been confirmed as Deputy Justice, Rhyssua, he may begin doing his duties immediately. We will move on to debate the Electoral Commission and Reform Act
Aye (4): The Bigtopia, Catlin, Cydoni, Asean Nations
Did not vote (3): The Islamic Country Of Honour, Indian Genius, Antenion
ANNOUNCEMENT OF DEBATE
https://www.nationstates.net/nation=senate_chair/detail=factbook/id=12
[spoiler=The Electoral Commission and Reform Act]The Electoral Commission and Reform Act
Author: United States of Edingbridge
Sponsor: Brototh
Article 1 - The Electoral Commission
Section 1:
1.1 - The position of Electoral Commissioner shall be created
1.2 - The Commissioner shall be nominated by the President and confirmed by a majority vote in the House of Commons.
1.3 - The Commissioner shall have the ability to nominate a Deputy Commissioner and up to 3 Assistant Commissioners. These must be approved by the President.
1.4 - In the absence of the Commissioner, the Deputy shall serve as the Acting Commissioner until such time as the President nominates a new Commissioner, as per section 1.2
1.5 - The Commissioner shall serve a term of 6 months, at which point the President may choose to renominate them, or nominate someone else.
1.6 - The President, as the elected authority, is granted a place in the commission, however they are not privy to electoral information
1.7 - If the President deems the Commissioners performance unsatisfactory, he can recommend their dismissal to Congress, which requires a 2/3rds majority vote in both chambers.
1.8 - If the Commissioner deems the performance of their Deputy or an Assistant unsatisfactory, they can recommend their dismissal to the President, and if approved, the person in question is immediately removed from their position.
1.9 - If the Commissioner is found to have abused their position to guarantee a particular outcome in an election, they can be impeached by the following procedures:
1.9.1 - The House of Commons may recommend Articles of Impeachment to the Senate by a 2/3rds vote.
1.9.2 - If the House recommend such Articles, the Senate shall then try the articles, with a Justice of the High Court chairing such a trial.
1.9.3 - If the Commissioner is found guilty by a 2/3rds or greater majority, they are removed from office.
1.9.4 - If the Commissioner goes to a trial, the Deputy Electoral Commissioner becomes the Acting Electoral Commissioner. If the Commissioner is found guilty and removed as per section 1.9.3. If they are acquitted, the Commissioner may resume their position for the remainder of their term.
1.10 - If the Commissioner has been impeached, they may not be nominated to the position again.
Article 2 - The Electoral Process
Section 1:
1.1 - As per section IX of the Constitution, elections to the Legislature will use the Single Transferable Vote and those to the Executive shall use Instant Runoff Voting
1.2 - The Commissioner has the task of organising and conducting the elections in a timely manner.
Section 2:
2.1 - The House of Commons shall be inaugurated every two months, per the constitution.
2.2 - The Commissioner should aim to inaugurate the House of Commons within one week after the conclusion of the election.
2.3 - The Commissioner may, with the consent of a majority of the High Court Justices in a vote, extend this by up to 5 days
2.4 - The Candidacy Declaration Period should end no later than 7 days prior to Election Day, which is to be determined by the
Commissioner.
2.5 - The Election must commence no later than 5 days before inauguration date, and last approximately 72 hours, but no earlier than 10 days.
Section 3:
3.1 - The Senate shall be inaugurated every 4 months, per the constitution.
3.2 - The Commissioner should aim to inaugurate the Senate within one week after the conclusion of the election.
3.3 - The Commissioner may, with the consent of a majority of the High Court Justices in a vote, extend this by up to 5 days
3.4 - The Candidacy Declaration Period should end no later than 7 days prior to Election Day, which is to be determined by the
Commissioner.
3.5 - The Election must commence no later than 5 days before inauguration date, and last approximately 72 hours, but no earlier than 10 days.
Section 4:
4.1 - The Prime Minister shall be inaugurated every 4 months, per the constitution.
4.2 - The Commissioner should aim to inaugurate the Prime Minister no later than within one week after the conclusion of the election.
4.3 - The Commissioner may, with the consent of a majority of the High Court Justices in a vote, extend this by up to 5 days
4.4 - The Candidacy Declaration Period should end no later than 7 days prior to Election Day, which is to be determined by the Commissioner.
4.5 - The Election must commence no later than 5 days before inauguration date, and last approximately 72 hours, but no earlier than 10 days.
Section 5:
5.1 - The President shall be inaugurated every 4 months, per the constitution.
5.2 - The Commissioner should aim to inaugurate the President no later than within one week after the conclusion of the election.
5.3 - The Commissioner may, with the consent of a majority of the High Court Justices in a vote, extend this by up to 5 days
5.4 - The Candidacy Declaration Period should end no later than 7 days prior to Election Day, which is to be determined by the Commissioner.
5.5 - The Election must commence no later than 5 days before inauguration date, and last approximately 72 hours, but no earlier than 10 days.
Article 3 - The inauguration of legislators
Section 1:
1.1 - When a legislative chamber is inaugurated following an election, the Electoral Commissioner shall chair the chamber
1.2 - In order to take up their seat, the legislator-elect must take the oath of office detailed in Section 1.3 of Article 3 of this bill
1.3 - "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of Thaecia against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter."
1.4 - After they have taken their oath of office, the lawmaker may assume their seat in the chamber
Article 4 - Other Duties Of The Commissioner
Section 1:
1.1 - It shall be the duty of the Commissioner to conduct the elections for both the Speaker of the House and Chairman of the Senate.
1.2 - The Commissioner has the right, if for a valid reason, to delegate this task to the Deputy Commissioner with the approval of the President.
1.3 - A speakership election can occur no more than once an hour
Article 5 - Introduction of this bill.
Section 1:
1.1 - The passage of this bill constitutes the repeal of L.R.001, L.R.007 & L.R.019
[/spoiler]
Senators, the floor is open to debate. Debate will last at least a day
[spoiler=SENATORS]Asean Nations
The Bigtopia[/spoiler]
The Author is allowed to speak on the Senate floor
Rhyssua
I am in favour of this bill. There is nothing wrong in this bill and I see no reason why this shouldnt be passed. Thanks to EC and Brototh M.P. For writing and sponsoring the bill respectively
The Bigtopia
This bill doesn't have any flaws. aye
I would like to propose to ammend Article 1 - Section 1.2
1.2 The Commissioner shall be nominated by the President and Confirmed by a Majority vote in the House of Commons.
Amend it to be
1.2 The Commissioner shall be nominated by the President and confirmed by a Majority Vote in the Senate
[spoiler=SENATORS]Asean Nations
The Bigtopia[/spoiler]
The Bigtopia, The Islamic Country Of Honour, Deppendants
It really doesn't matter if the EC is getting confermend by the house or the senate. All kt maters if the EC nom is getting a fair trail .
Agreed, furthermore the Senate had never had to confirm the Commissioner as far as I am aware, all that requiring it now would do is more harm than good
How?
Asean Nations
The Ministers are approved by the HoC, and if the EC is also approved by the HoC, what use is the Senate for? So, it stands that the Senate is useless, so if it stands so why are we even debating this bill, and if it stands too why are we even Senators? This means that we are of no use.
Asean Nations, Deppendants
Post by United States Of Edingbridge suppressed by Senate Chair.
Right Indian Genius, allow me to explain. The Senate serves to confirm the appointments of Judiciary nominees. The Senate serves as the trial body for impeachment. The Senate serves as a second legislative chamber to ensure that laws like this one are properly passed. And if you think the Senate & Senators
, may I ask why you ran for re-election to the Senate?First, I find your comments on me as harsh and political. Second, why only Judiciary?
I have an idea, the EC should be passed by both the Senate and HoC in a joint hearing.
I disagree, that undermines the process that has been determined for the appointment of the Electoral Commissioner
Please keep personal insults and insinuations out of the Senate chamber. I will not stand for such conduct. Make sure to read over the Senate rules.
Marvinton, The Marconian State, Indian Genius, Asean Nations, Zon Island, Deppendants
I would like to raise concerns over the prevailing situation in the Senate between EC and IG
Marvinton
That kind of process is decided by members of Congress, which includes me and my colleagues. So, I guess I am going to provide an amendment to it.
[spoiler=Amendment to Amendment 1.2] The Electoral Commissioner will be nominated by the President and and confirmed by a 2/3rd vote in a joint hearing between the House of Commons and the Senate.[/spoiler]
This will make it a really lengthy process and will already add to the present burden of both the legislatures. So I am not in favour of the amendment proposed by IG
So, I cancel the amendment and endorse the amendment of Asean Nations.
Asean Nations, The Islamic Country Of Honour
Post self-deleted by Catlin.
Post self-deleted by Asean Nations.
OPENING VOTE
https://www.nationstates.net/nation=senate_chair/detail=factbook/id=12
[spoiler=The Electoral Commission and Reform Act]The Electoral Commission and Reform Act
Author: United States of Edingbridge
Sponsor: Brototh
Article 1 - The Electoral Commission
Section 1:
1.1 - The position of Electoral Commissioner shall be created
1.2 - The Commissioner shall be nominated by the President and confirmed by a majority vote in the House of Commons.
1.3 - The Commissioner shall have the ability to nominate a Deputy Commissioner and up to 3 Assistant Commissioners. These must be approved by the President.
1.4 - In the absence of the Commissioner, the Deputy shall serve as the Acting Commissioner until such time as the President nominates a new Commissioner, as per section 1.2
1.5 - The Commissioner shall serve a term of 6 months, at which point the President may choose to renominate them, or nominate someone else.
1.6 - The President, as the elected authority, is granted a place in the commission, however they are not privy to electoral information
1.7 - If the President deems the Commissioners performance unsatisfactory, he can recommend their dismissal to Congress, which requires a 2/3rds majority vote in both chambers.
1.8 - If the Commissioner deems the performance of their Deputy or an Assistant unsatisfactory, they can recommend their dismissal to the President, and if approved, the person in question is immediately removed from their position.
1.9 - If the Commissioner is found to have abused their position to guarantee a particular outcome in an election, they can be impeached by the following procedures:
1.9.1 - The House of Commons may recommend Articles of Impeachment to the Senate by a 2/3rds vote.
1.9.2 - If the House recommend such Articles, the Senate shall then try the articles, with a Justice of the High Court chairing such a trial.
1.9.3 - If the Commissioner is found guilty by a 2/3rds or greater majority, they are removed from office.
1.9.4 - If the Commissioner goes to a trial, the Deputy Electoral Commissioner becomes the Acting Electoral Commissioner. If the Commissioner is found guilty and removed as per section 1.9.3. If they are acquitted, the Commissioner may resume their position for the remainder of their term.
1.10 - If the Commissioner has been impeached, they may not be nominated to the position again.
Article 2 - The Electoral Process
Section 1:
1.1 - As per section IX of the Constitution, elections to the Legislature will use the Single Transferable Vote and those to the Executive shall use Instant Runoff Voting
1.2 - The Commissioner has the task of organising and conducting the elections in a timely manner.
Section 2:
2.1 - The House of Commons shall be inaugurated every two months, per the constitution.
2.2 - The Commissioner should aim to inaugurate the House of Commons within one week after the conclusion of the election.
2.3 - The Commissioner may, with the consent of a majority of the High Court Justices in a vote, extend this by up to 5 days
2.4 - The Candidacy Declaration Period should end no later than 7 days prior to Election Day, which is to be determined by the
Commissioner.
2.5 - The Election must commence no later than 5 days before inauguration date, and last approximately 72 hours, but no earlier than 10 days.
Section 3:
3.1 - The Senate shall be inaugurated every 4 months, per the constitution.
3.2 - The Commissioner should aim to inaugurate the Senate within one week after the conclusion of the election.
3.3 - The Commissioner may, with the consent of a majority of the High Court Justices in a vote, extend this by up to 5 days
3.4 - The Candidacy Declaration Period should end no later than 7 days prior to Election Day, which is to be determined by the
Commissioner.
3.5 - The Election must commence no later than 5 days before inauguration date, and last approximately 72 hours, but no earlier than 10 days.
Section 4:
4.1 - The Prime Minister shall be inaugurated every 4 months, per the constitution.
4.2 - The Commissioner should aim to inaugurate the Prime Minister no later than within one week after the conclusion of the election.
4.3 - The Commissioner may, with the consent of a majority of the High Court Justices in a vote, extend this by up to 5 days
4.4 - The Candidacy Declaration Period should end no later than 7 days prior to Election Day, which is to be determined by the Commissioner.
4.5 - The Election must commence no later than 5 days before inauguration date, and last approximately 72 hours, but no earlier than 10 days.
Section 5:
5.1 - The President shall be inaugurated every 4 months, per the constitution.
5.2 - The Commissioner should aim to inaugurate the President no later than within one week after the conclusion of the election.
5.3 - The Commissioner may, with the consent of a majority of the High Court Justices in a vote, extend this by up to 5 days
5.4 - The Candidacy Declaration Period should end no later than 7 days prior to Election Day, which is to be determined by the Commissioner.
5.5 - The Election must commence no later than 5 days before inauguration date, and last approximately 72 hours, but no earlier than 10 days.
Article 3 - The inauguration of legislators
Section 1:
1.1 - When a legislative chamber is inaugurated following an election, the Electoral Commissioner shall chair the chamber
1.2 - In order to take up their seat, the legislator-elect must take the oath of office detailed in Section 1.3 of Article 3 of this bill
1.3 - "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of Thaecia against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter."
1.4 - After they have taken their oath of office, the lawmaker may assume their seat in the chamber
Article 4 - Other Duties Of The Commissioner
Section 1:
1.1 - It shall be the duty of the Commissioner to conduct the elections for both the Speaker of the House and Chairman of the Senate.
1.2 - The Commissioner has the right, if for a valid reason, to delegate this task to the Deputy Commissioner with the approval of the President.
1.3 - A speakership election can occur no more than once an hour
Article 5 - Introduction of this bill.
Section 1:
1.1 - The passage of this bill constitutes the repeal of L.R.001, L.R.007 & L.R.019
[/spoiler]
Senators, the floor is open to voting. The Vote will last at least a day
[spoiler=Amend Article 1 section 1.2]
Author: Asean Nations
Amend Article 1 section 1.2 to read:
1.2 The Commissioner shall be nominated by the President and confirmed by a Majority Vote in the Senate
[/spoiler]
[spoiler=SENATORS]Asean Nations
The Bigtopia[/spoiler]
Asean Nations, The Islamic Country Of Honour
Aye to all
Asean Nations
Aye to all
Asean Nations, The Islamic Country Of Honour
Aye to the EC Bill and,
Aye to the Amendment to Article 1 - Section 1.2
The Bigtopia, The Islamic Country Of Honour
Aye to all.
Asean Nations, The Islamic Country Of Honour
Aye to all
Asean Nations, The Islamic Country Of Honour
Aye to the act, abstain on the amendment
Asean Nations, The Islamic Country Of Honour
It has come to my notice that the House has a post of Deputy Shadow Speaker which is accorded to the second party in the opposition coalition. Similarly I also request Chairman The Bigtopia to accord Asean Nations the recognition of Deputy Shadow Chairman as he is an ally of UNI in this chamber.
Marvinton, The Bigtopia, Asean Nations
Aye to all.
Asean Nations, The Islamic Country Of Honour
It is done, though Deputy Shadow Chairman isn't a position that does much.
Asean Nations
[spoiler= Results for the Bill]
Ayes: 7
Nays: 0
Abstensions: 0
Bill passed with a unanimous Majority[/spoiler]
[spoiler= Results for the Amendment]
Ayes: 6
Nays: 0
Abstensions: 1
Bill passed with a 6-0-1 Majority[/spoiler]
Results: The Bill passes to be signed into law and The Amendment passes to the House of Commons for further reading [spoiler=Speaker of the House]Andusre[/spoiler]
The Bigtopia, Asean Nations, Senate Chair
OPENING DEBATE: Amendments to L.R. 004 - The Positions Restrictions Act
Written by Ilefeb
Sponsored by Ilefeb and Fishergate
As Amended by Fishergate
[url]https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1273450[/url]
[spoiler=PREAMBLE]Noting that the Position Restrictions Act allows members of cabinet to be members of the legislative branch. Reducing the democratic process. These Amendments will fix the loopholes and completely separate the executive and legislative branch;[/spoiler]
[spoiler=AMENDMENT A]Revise Article III Section 1 to say:
The Ministers of Home Affairs; Foreign Affairs; Justice; Culture; and any future ones created, shall only be allowed to hold their position as minister. Ministers may not be allowed to occupy 2 ministries. Ministers may not be allowed to be apart of the House of Commons or the Senate. Ministers may not be allowed to participate in any position of government not listed above.[/spoiler]
[spoiler=AMENDMENT B]Amend Article IV to read as follows:
Within Congress, Senators and Members of Parliament may only be allowed to hold their respective positions and any other extensions to them (Speaker and Leader of the Opposition for Members of Parliament, Chairman of the Senate and Shadow Chairman for Senators etc.). Senators and Members of Parliament may not be allowed to hold any Cabinet position, though may be permitted to hold lesser ministerial positions.[/spoiler]
[spoiler=AMENDMENT C]Section VI shall be removed from the Voting Restrictions Act.
[/spoiler]
Senators, I open the floor to debate, which will last at least one day
[spoiler=SENATORS]Asean Nations
The Bigtopia[/spoiler]
Asean Nations, Ilefeb
I agree with this.
Ilefeb, The Islamic Country Of Honour
I strongly disagree with Amendment A and B. It continues the precedent that's been set recently of not allowing MPs and Senators to serve as Ministers. This is a bad idea, especially with the expanded legislature. 18 active people are now legislators. Seeing as Thaecia really only has about fifty well-known and active people, many of whom have little interest holding positions in the region. It is to our benefit to let an MP or Senator be a Minister at the same time. If they aren't allowed to do so, the people best fit for the job might not get it, electing to stay as a legislator. In addition, this would require new elections for the open seats, requiring extra work for the already busy Electoral Commission and could skew representation.
Levantx, Indian Genius, Asean Nations
I am in favour of this bill. This bill will play an important part in separating the legislative branch and executive branch of the Government. This will also ensure the executive branch will have no influence in the legislative branch and vice versa. And Chairman The Bigtopia, this will also give more people the chance to serve in the Government. If a person holds 2 posts together, he would also be depriving a deserving person of one of the posts. So I request everyone to vote in favour of this bill. And thanks to Ilefeb and Fishergate for the efforts they put into this bill!
Asean Nations, Ilefeb
I agree with The Bigtopia that we would be stretched to thin with this bill.
The Bigtopia, Asean Nations
ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE CHAIR
Debate will be extended 24 hours from tomorrow morning (EST) to give all Senators a chance to debate the bill's amendments.
Levantx
I fully agree with the bill. This bill does really separate the legislative and executive part of our government.
Asean Nations
I would argue that the complete separation of the legislative and executive branches would be unfeasible and unnecessary. We need more active and willing to be involved citizens before we put this into place. Further, the complete separation is unneccessary. The branches hardly overlap. The different ministries do very little in relation to the lawmakers. What problem is created if the Culture Minister is also a legislator? I would say that it doesn't matter much
Andusre, Asean Nations
I agree with The Bigtopia If we were to put this bill in place we would be stretched too thin as a Region as everyone who has some activity would have a position of power
Andusre, The Bigtopia, Asean Nations
OPENING VOTE
Voting for amendments L.R. 004 has begun. Please cast your votes
[url]https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1273450[/url]
[spoiler=PREAMBLE]Noting that the Position Restrictions Act allows members of cabinet to be members of the legislative branch. Reducing the democratic process. These Amendments will fix the loopholes and completely separate the executive and legislative branch;[/spoiler]
[spoiler=AMENDMENT A]Revise Article III Section 1 to say:
The Ministers of Home Affairs; Foreign Affairs; Justice; Culture; and any future ones created, shall only be allowed to hold their position as minister. Ministers may not be allowed to occupy 2 ministries. Ministers may not be allowed to be apart of the House of Commons or the Senate. Ministers may not be allowed to participate in any position of government not listed above.[/spoiler]
[spoiler=AMENDMENT B]Amend Article IV to read as follows:
Within Congress, Senators and Members of Parliament may only be allowed to hold their respective positions and any other extensions to them (Speaker and Leader of the Opposition for Members of Parliament, Chairman of the Senate and Shadow Chairman for Senators etc.). Senators and Members of Parliament may not be allowed to hold any Cabinet position, though may be permitted to hold lesser ministerial positions.[/spoiler]
[spoiler=AMENDMENT C]Section VI shall be removed from the Voting Restrictions Act.
[/spoiler]
[spoiler=SENATORS]Asean Nations
The Bigtopia[/spoiler]
I vote aye
Ilefeb, Deppendants
Aye to all
Ilefeb, Deppendants
To further my argument, the creation of the regional military and the Thaecian Executive Staff, as well as the existence of Ambassadors in the FAM ensure that all nations seeking to serve the government can do so easily, nullifying this point.
Xernon, Zon Island, Deppendants
I vote Nay to all amendments
Andusre, Deppendants
nay to the amendments, they are all unnecessary.
The Bigtopia, Deppendants
I vote Nay to the amendments.
The Bigtopia, Deppendants
Antenion, Asean Nations, make sure to cast your votes!
Asean Nations, Zon Island, The Islamic Country Of Honour, Deppendants
I vote Aye
Snowflame, Zon Island, Ilefeb, The Islamic Country Of Honour
I change my vote to "aye to all amendments"
Marvinton, Snowflame, Fishergate, Asean Nations, Zon Island, Ilefeb, The Islamic Country Of Honour, Terentiland
Has the voting been closed?
No, we are still voting
Then My vote is Nay, Im sorry I wasnt thinking how thin we would be when I was a MP in the HOC when I voted Aye
The Bigtopia
I request the Chairman to close the vote as it has been almost 2 days since the vote started and all the Senators have voted. We can then start concentrating on other legislations
Levantx
Not quite prepared to end the vote, I need to hear from Catlin first about something. Apologies, we will begin another bill soon.
Post self-deleted by Catlin.
Mr. Chairman, it has been a complete three days now.........
Marvinton, Snowflame, Catlin
I once again request the Chairman to close the vote and start discussing other legislations and the Senate is loaded with a lot of pending bills and we can't spend so much time on just one legislation. Moreover, I would like to point to the fact that Catlin has made his appearance during the time u sought to hear from Catlin. Your co-operation will be kind enough :)
The Islamic Country of Honour, Shadow Chairman of the Senate
Fishergate
I've made a statement on discord. Could one of the chairmen close the vote and begin debate on the Congressional Investigation Act?
Cydoni, Antenion, The Islamic Country Of Honour, Asean Nations?
Otherwise, I will do so tomorrow morning as I don't really have time to write everything out.
Levantx, Snowflame, Catlin
Announcement of the Closure of Vote on the Political Restrictions Act
Announcement of the Opening of the Debate on the Congressional Investigation Act
The Senate Shadow Chairman, on behalf of the Chairman, would like to announce that the voting period has come to an end and would like to declare the passage of this act through the Senate and now awaits the implementation of this act into the law.
Aye: The Islamic Country of Honour, Indian Genius, Catlin, ASEAN Nations
Nay: The Bigtopia, Antenion, Cydoni
Now that the bill has been done and dusted, I announce the opening of the debate on Congressional Invesigation Act and invite all senators to the debate. The debate shall last for the next 36 hours and the Chairman reserves the right to extend it.
Indian Genius, Asean Nations
Mr. Shadow speaker where is this bill that we are debating.
Indian Genius, Asean Nations
Rayekka, this bill is passed and awaits your decision to sign it into law or veto.
I don't have the time to write everything out right now, but here is the factbook:
(EDIT: this was meant for Catlin:)
https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1273452
The Islamic Country Of Honour
I believe this is Factbook is whats being debated, so I cannot give my verdict until the Senate has Voted on it.
Fishergate, The Bigtopia, The Islamic Country Of Honour
Sorry, should have been more clear. The previous bill, the restrictions act: https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1273450 is what you need to sign/veto. The other link was meant for Senator Catlin, I should have quoted that post. Sorry!
I would like to make amendment of this bill It should stay in article 2 the following
"A Congressional Investigation can be called by a motion signed by a third of a chamber's members and approved by a 2 thirds majority in both chambers of congress"
The Bigtopia, Asean Nations
I am in favour of this bill as I believe this will ensure the proper accountability of the Executive Branch before the People and the elected Congress.
The Bigtopia, Asean Nations
I agree. This bill seems well-written and will indeed help to keep in check the power of the executive -- though thankfully we have not yet really seen this need yet. It's good to be prepared for the possibility of a deceitful executive branch.
Asean Nations, The Islamic Country Of Honour
When will the voting start, Mr. Chairman?
The Bigtopia, Catlin
I was hoping for more Senators to give their opinion on the matter but it's become quite clear that there is nothing more to say. Since I am still busy, I'll just link the factbook.
OPENING VOTE: THE CONGRESSIONAL INVESTIGATION ACT
https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1273452
[spoiler=Amendment A]Author: Catlin
Amend Article II to read as follows:
"A Congressional Investigation can be called by a motion signed by a third of a chamber's members and approved by a 2 thirds majority in both chambers of Congress."
[/spoiler]
I invite all Senators to cast their votes on this bill and amendment.
[spoiler=SENATORS]
The Bigtopia[/spoiler]
Levantx, Asean Nations
Thanks for adding my amendment The Bigtopia, I vote aye to all
The Bigtopia, Asean Nations
I vote aye to the bill but nay to the amendment. It could be that the executive officer in question is a part of a party with, say, three seats in the senate. These senators would likely be instructed to fail the bill and could easily. A simple majority in both chambers is sufficient, I think. We need to make sure that if this is needed it will be possible to pass.
Indian Genius, Asean Nations
Assembled with Dot's Region Saver.
Written by Refuge Isle.