Resolution Process:
The Senate Parliamentarian, Professor Ron Gronsky, has kindly provided the following
protocol for the introduction and discussion of a resolution:
After the motion ("I move the adoption of the following resolution") and second, the
Chair may request a "procedural" motion from the floor. Something like this:
"I recommend, and therefore call for someone to make, the following
procedural motion: 'That a total of four minutes be allocated to Professor
XXX (who made the motion), speaking on behalf of the resolution, that a
total of four minutes be allocated to any Senate member speaking against
the motion or proposing an amendment; and that subsequent speakers be
limited to two minutes each.' ” This must be seconded, and requires a 2/3
vote because of its effect on limiting debate.
The Chair then says: “The question is on the resolution. Professor XXX, you have 4
minutes."
At any time during this discussion, amendments can be offered, possibly beginning right
away with Prof. YYY, or any time thereafter. The sequence of amendments is specified
by Robert's Rules of Order, requiring the Chair to first entertain motions to amend the
RESOLVED clauses. Any attempt to amend the WHEREAS clauses is OUT OF
ORDER at this time, by Robert's Rules. Amendments to the WHEREAS clauses can be
entertained only when all of the resolved clauses are finalized. (This apparent inverse
order is due to the greater weight of the RESOLVED clauses (they are the "action"
items), so they merit the highest order of attention.) Furthermore, as the RESOLVED
clauses are modified, they are likely to bring implications requiring modification of the
WHEREAS clauses (Robert's Rules of Order cautions this). The inverse is not as likely,
at least according to Robert's Rules of Order.
Every motion to amend must be seconded. When seconded, the Chair announces:
“The question is on the amendment. Is there any discussion?”
Because of the procedural motion, only 2 minutes will be allowed per speaker. When
discussion ends, the Chair will call for a vote. Majority passes. If so, the Chair
announces:
"The motion to amend carries. The question is on the resolution. Is there
any more debate?”
When all amendments to the Resolved clauses have been registered, we move to the
Whereas clauses. When all of those have been registered, and no one seeks recognition
from the floor to speak, the Chair announces:
"It is time to 'put the question.' The question is on the amended resolution
now projected on the screen. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye.'
Those opposed, by saying 'no.' (Immediately announce the results.)