Andy

I think I've thoroughly checked the Rules. I read and understand about Limit Debate. After the time limit is up, what then? (Motions to amend, postpone indefinitely and lay on the table are in order. Amendment to the motion being debated or amendment to limit of debate? )There was no motion to vote at a certain time; previous question is not raised; no vote has been taken; no. I'm sure this must be stated in the pages, but I can't find it explicitly. And, if the motion is to limit debate for 10 minutes and then vote (that is, not naming an hour at which to vote), is this allowable?

Thank you!

A committee made a motion that it felt was in keeping with the aims of the society: it affirmed principle, contained few specifics and so was broad and concise. As soon as it was put on the floor, a very long substitute motion was made, containing two pages of Whereases/Resolveds that the assembly had not seen and was one that the ancillary group had been circulating nationwide. The sentiment was strongly expressed, there were many specific statements, any one of which could be debated at length. And we did debate, but had other business. And so the postponement. Now we are planning the next meeting with an overly full agenda and no next meeting planned for months, and no time for a continuation meeting. It is still not decided which direction to go. But I am trying to understand some options. The maker of the substitute motion will not ask permission to withdraw the motion, I am sure. The maker of the main motion (the committee) would be willing to ask permission to withdraw the main motion (and so also the substitute motion). Either way, there will be debate! We may just let it go forward (it is a Resolution) so we can get on with the society's other action items. Thank you. This has helped clarify my thoughts. I meet with the Chair at noon.

Thank you for the reminder on the requirement to ask permission. The reason we don't do "normal", is because of time constraints and hoping to avoid long debate. And I'm interested in the two scenarios because in the substitute motion case the permission would not be asked, but in the main motion case it is more likely the mover will ask permission.

Yes, of course. I should have included that action. Our agenda will include "Unfinished Business and General Orders", and the general order is to consider the postponed motion. Now the substitute motion is on the floor. In the 11th edition (sorry, that's my latest) on p. 296 it says "To withdraw a motion that is before the assembly....". And now the substitute is before the assembly and so presumably it can be withdrawn. And on p. 297 it says "...even though the motion has been amended, and even though subsidiary or incidental motions may be pending....and require no further disposition after the main motion is withdrawn." And so my two part question - withdrawing the substitute motion only or withdrawing the main motion which takes the pending amendment with it.

There was a main motion on the floor. A motion was then made to substitute the whole main motion with new language. There was then a motion to postpone consideration until the next meeting. We are considering a couple of different ways to proceed, and want to make sure either way is correctly done. 1. There is a motion to withdraw the substitute motion. (Unanimous consent or vote.) If "yes", the original main motion is now pending. 2. There is a motion to withdraw the (main) motion. My reading of RONR says a motion can be withdrawn while an amendment is pending. (Unanimous consent or vote.) If "yes", there is no motion on the floor and we proceed to other business.