2005 Puerto Rican Statehood Bill

[Sam Spade]

I oppose this bill and my feelings on this stuff are well-known. 

But if its admitted, I will vote for it to join the Southeast. 

[Sam Spade]

As for practical realities, a good argument could be made that the Senate does not have the power to do this sort of thing under this Constitution and this bill could well face court challenge.

[Sam Spade]

As for practical realities, a good argument could be made that the Senate does not have the power to do this sort of thing under this Constitution and this bill could well face court challenge.

What would be the relevant sections of the Constitution to make that challenge?

I'm sorry, I misread the Constitution.  It does have the power to do this in the Powers of the Senate.  Apologies. 

[Sam Spade]

I agree with my colleague MAS on this, 100%.

[Sam Spade]

Aye to the amendment.  We might as well get rid of something.

[Sam Spade]

Aye on the Amendment. 

Since I lived in Texas, I know a little about the importance of this amendment.

[Sam Spade]

Aye.

[Sam Spade]

I say we wait until another referedum from the actual Puerto Rican government rather then leave it to the GM.

That could take years and it wouldn't happen for at least another couple of years. If we waited Atlasia might not be here anymore or we could be waiting forever!

Just as my minor legal observation of this whole bill and everything:

Since there is no part of this bill that specifically calls immediately for a referendum on statehood by the people of Puerto Rico, no referendum can legally be called right now by anyone.

That's how the courts will call it; that's how it will be interpreted legally.

Once again, I will continue to advise everyone to read what you vote for before you vote.

[Sam Spade]

Well I'm glad people are more receptive this time

Blah. Well, it is an entirely different Senate.

Doesn't matter.  As I stated above, nothing will happen will this bill, because it doesn't really specify doing anything.

[Sam Spade]

Also, it's been 24 hours on this thing.  We can send this to the President.

[Sam Spade]

Can the Senate get started on the next bill please? 

Since the Official Senate Procedural Resolution is now in effect, I need to wait 24 hours after a bill passes or fails before bringing a new one to the floor.

If you want to, you could start a motion to override the specific clause making you wait 24 hours and with a majority vote, you could introduce something faster. 

It's much easier with a President of the Senate actually serving.  Then you two could just start a new bill by letting us know you wanted to start it.