Limiting Discussion

[Guest Steve]

A topic for upcoming discussion is very controversial and divisive.  Unfortunately, a prolonged discussion of this one topic will throw off the entire agenda.  Still the issue is of such importance that not allowing everyone a chance to be heard will increase the divisiveness.  The speaker of the House is initiating the limiting of discussion.  The amount of time to be allowed  and the number of people that will be allowed to speak is just a small fraction of what would normally be expected to respond to this issue.  The Speakers decision is based on RRONR 11th Edition 43. Rules of Governing Debate.  Is there a mechanism to override this decision and allow everyone to be heard?  Thank you.

[George Mervosh]

A topic for upcoming discussion is very controversial and divisive.  Unfortunately, a prolonged discussion of this one topic will throw off the entire agenda.  Still the issue is of such importance that not allowing everyone a chance to be heard will increase the divisiveness.  The speaker of the House is initiating the limiting of discussion.  The amount of time to be allowed  and the number of people that will be allowed to speak is just a small fraction of what would normally be expected to respond to this issue.  The Speakers decision is based on RRONR 11th Edition 43. Rules of Governing Debate.  Is there a mechanism to override this decision and allow everyone to be heard?  Thank you.

 

He has no unilateral authority in this matter......." While a debatable question is immediately pending, the allowed length or number of speeches can be reduced or increased, for that question only, by means of the subsidiary motion to Limit or Extend Limits of Debate (15), adopted by a two-thirds vote"  RONR (11th ed.), p. 390

 

If the motion is not adopted by the required 2/3 vote, the regular limits remain unchanged.

[Guest Guest]

Thank you