A New Nation (Character/Political Party RP) - Senate

[Neo-Chicago]

The Third Senate of the Commonwealth of Columbia
OOC
IC
Database
Chaos Edition

Excerpt from the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Columbia:
"A. The powers to establish the laws of this state shall solely be vested in the national legislature known as the Commonwealth Senate, hereby referred to as the Senate;
B. The powers of the Senate shall never be removed for as long the Commonwealth remains to exist;
C. The Senate shall be comprised of 150 Senators directly elected by the citizens of the Commonwealth every three years (2 weeks);
D. The Senate shall have the sole power to approve the national budget, approve presidential executive and judicial appointments, and impeach government officials;
E. The Senate shall be led by the Speaker of the Senate elected from within the Senate at the beginning of every term; the Senate Speaker shall be responsible for presiding over the Senate while it is in session; the speaker shall set the agenda, allocate time for debate and voting on bills, preside over debate and count votes;
F. Senators must be at least 30 years of age upon their election, and be a citizen of the Commonwealth;"

Senate Composition (Next Election: June 28th, OOCly):

Pioneer: 50 seats.
Progressive 33 seats.
RLUF: 33 seats.
NCF: 17 seats.
Coptic Futurist: 17 seats.

Speaker of the Senate: TBD
Majority Leader: Senator Craig Louis (Neo-Chicago) - Pioneer
Minority Leaders: Senator Elizabeth Monroe (Terrelis) - Progressive and Senator Nicholas Darkmoon (World Anarchic Union) (Tied at 33 seats)

Legislation Queue:

• National Revenue Act (Next For Debate)
• Executive Powers Act
• Public Privacy Bill

Legislation Record

• Senate Procedure Act (Passed 105-7, 38 Abstentions)
• National Identity Amendment (Passed 102-8, 40 Abstentions)
• Cabinet Establishment Bill (Passed 103-7, 40 Abstentions)
• Penal Code (Passed 89-8, 53 Abstentions)
• National Security Bill (Passed 77-44, 29 Abstentions)
• Commonwealth Defense Act (Passed 77-44, 29 Abstentions)
• Equal Education Bill (Passed 72-30, 48 Abstentions)
• Military Loyalty Act (Passed 69-54, 27 Abstentions)
• Presidential Succession Act (Passed 114-0, 36 Abstentions)
• Amendment To The Senate Procedure Act (Passed 114-0, 36 Abstentions)
• National Healthcare Act (Passed 80-0, 70 Abstentions)

Legislation Template

Code: Select all

[box][align=center][b]Title (Example: Government Accountability Act)[/b]
[b]Author:[/b] (Example: Senator Xavier King - PP) | [b]Sponsors:[/b] (Example: Senator Dakota Douglas - P & Senator John Highshore - PP)[/align]
[hr][/hr][align=center][b]Section I[/b][/align]
A. First Point
B. Second Point
C. Etc

[align=center][b]Section II[/b][/align]
A. First point
B. Second point
C. Etc[/box]

[Terrelis]

Senate Composition

Pioneer Party (Center Right): 50 seats
Progressive Party (Center Left): 33 seats
Radical Left United Front (Far Left): 33 seats
National Civic Faction (Center): 17 seats
Coptic Futurist Party (Far Right): 17 seats

Senate Leadership

Speaker of the Senate: Senator Elizabeth Monroe (Terrelis) - Progressive
Majority Leader: Senator Craig Louis (Neo-Chicago) - Pioneer
Minority Leaders: Senator Elizabeth Monroe (Terrelis) - Progressive

Legislation Queue

• National Revenue Act (On Floor)
• Executive Powers Act (Next For Debate)
• Public Privacy Bill

Legislation Record

• Senate Procedure Act (Passed 105-7, 38 Abstentions)
• National Identity Amendment (Passed 102-8, 40 Abstentions)
• Cabinet Establishment Bill (Passed 103-7, 40 Abstentions)
• Penal Code (Passed 89-8, 53 Abstentions)
• National Security Bill (Passed 77-44, 29 Abstentions)
• Commonwealth Defense Act (Passed 77-44, 29 Abstentions)
• Equal Education Bill (Passed 72-30, 48 Abstentions)
• Military Loyalty Act (Passed 69-54, 27 Abstentions)
• Presidential Succession Act (Passed 114-0, 36 Abstentions)
• Amendment To The Senate Procedure Act (Passed 114-0, 36 Abstentions)
• National Healthcare Act (Passed 80-0, 70 Abstentions)

Legislation Template

Code: Select all

[box][align=center][b]Title (Example: Government Accountability Act)[/b]
[b]Author:[/b] (Example: Senator Xavier King - PP) | [b]Sponsors:[/b] (Example: Senator Dakota Douglas - P & Senator John Highshore - PP)[/align]
[hr][/hr][align=center][b]Section I[/b][/align]
A. First Point
B. Second Point
C. Etc

[align=center][b]Section II[/b][/align]
A. First point
B. Second point
C. Etc[/box]

[Terrelis]

Senator King walked into the senate chamber admiring its architectural beauty and thinking fball the things eh would accomplish here. He walked past his seat on the floor and went to the dais, as the current Majority leader he was the one in charge until a speaker was elected. He waited for all of the other senators to come in before officially beginning. "Before we begin our legislative duties we must first elect a Speaker. Myself and Senator Chauveua are the only senators to have expressed interest so voting will begin immediately. All senators are asked to vote in the following form, I Senator (Last Name) vote for Senator (Last Name). I will begin, I Senator King vote for Senator King."

[Landenburg]

Having arrived at the senate meeting, Pierre was wearing his silk suit. He arose to speak when King sat down and began an impassioned speech. "Brothers! Sisters! Today on this fine day in the nation of Columbia, we are electing a speaker. This position is very prestigious and does wield some power. Obviously King, the fellow running against me is a Progressive. Many of you here are. This may be a tough vote for you, whether you are choosing who is suited for the job and who you your party is loyal to. HOWEVER, I must ask you this. The Progressives already control the majority. Should you give them another position? If they get speaker, you will get NOTHING they do not want past legislature. If you, my fellow senators, elect me I will ensure to do what is best for the COUNTRY and not my PARTY. I Senator Chauveau vote for Senator Chauveau." and Pierre sits back down.

[Terrelis]

Senator King looked at Chauvesu in disgust as he spoke then he rose to give his own speech. "Well I didn't realize we were giving speeches, but since we are here I go. Senator Chauveau during his entire speech only said three facts, one I am a progressive, two I am running against him, and three the Progressives have a majority. There is a reason that third thing is a fact and that is because the people of Columbia trusted the Progressive Party. Why would the people give us a majority of they didn't expect us to lead? I am first and foremost public servant, and secondly s party leader. Here's another fact for you, passionate speeches don't help nations grow hard work and dedication do and that is what I have shown since this nations founding. Don't vote for a senator with nice words vote for a senator with proven actions."

[Landenburg]

Senator King looked at Chauvesu in disgust as he spoke then he rose to give his own speech. "Well I didn't realize we were giving speeches, but since we are here I go. Senator Chauveau during his entire speech only said three facts, one I am a progressive, two I am running against him, and three the Progressives have a majority. There is a reason that third thing is a fact and that is because the people of Columbia trusted the Progressive Party. Why would the people give us a majority of they didn't expect us to lead? I am first and foremost public servant, and secondly s party leader. Here's another fact for you, passionate speeches don't help nations grow hard work and dedication do and that is what I have shown since this nations founding. Don't vote for a senator with nice words vote for a senator with proven actions."

"Proven actions? What have you done here that any senator has not done? We have all made the decisions together, everyone gets the credit. Would a speaker, emphasis on speaking, need good words? Yes, you are a progressive. However, if we allow your party to gain too much control we will BE America. Nothing will get done and what we do not need a locked up government. How else will we pass healthcare laws, education laws, and control military spending? These are just a few of the basic things that need done but they will not be able to get through should you be elected. Senators, I propose that you elect me, Senator Chauveau to Speaker. That is all." he finally said, sitting back down.

[Claven]

Sofia was rightly annoyed by Mr Chauveua's words. The way he expressed himself reminded her of the arrogant men she met in university. Unwilling, to listen anymore to the outspoken senator, she replied, "Senator Chauveua, I hope you aren't implying that Senator King will be unable to perform the duty of speaker without extreme bias. I would like to remind you that even if the speaker is to come from another party, that it would still cause there to be 'a locked up government, as you say because no party has a majority. I highly recommend that those who would seek a fairer, more just senate vote for Mr. King, as I, Senator Church, vote for Senator King,".

[Sacara]

Finally arriving at the Senate, he walked in with his brief case. Two senators were talking, debating, as usual. He sat down at his seat. As the new minority leader, he had work to do. He had some recommendations from the President, and he was obligated to follow them. Instead of making a coalition, he could just talk to some of them.

Should he run for Speaker, no, he'd get killed, but at least he could see how his fellow senators saw him. Hm... What to do..

---[EDIT BELOW]---
Senator Douglas, after everyone seemed to eye him, how he was going to vote, stood up.

"Well, I had fun listening, but I guess it is my turn to vote for speaker. I would first like to announce that I think both of you would make great speakers, and this just tears me apart, but I think the further left the country becomes will not help it. I vote for King.

[Terrelis]

Senate Procedure Act
Author: Senator Xavier King (PP) | Sponsors: N/A

---

Section I

A. At the start of each term the leader of the party with the majority shall preside over the elections for Speaker;
B. A speaker must be elected before any other matters are handled by the Senate;
C. The speaker shall be responsible for setting the agenda, allocating times for debate and voting, moderating debate, and counting votes;
D. All bills submitted to the Senate by a Senator must be allocated time for debate and voting;

Section II

A. Debate on bills must go on for no longer than 72 hours; and no longer than 168 hours for the national budget and appropriation bills;
B. Each Senator must first ask the speaker and wait for their acknowledgement before speaking;
C. When speaking during debate senators must address the senate as a whole and not any specific senator;
D. If a senator breaks these rules, and any others established by this body, then the Speaker reserves the right to bar that Senator from further debate for up to 48 hours;
E. Voting on bills go on for no longer than 48 hours;
F. Senators will vote using For, Against, and Abstain; if a bill has more fors than against then it passes; if a bill has more against than fors then it fails;

[Terrelis]

Cabinet Establishment Act
Author: Senator Xavier King (PP) | Sponsors: Senator John Highshore (PP) & Senator Sofia Church (PP)

---

Section I

The following positions shall be the senior members of the Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Columbia;
A. Secretary of Interior; the Secretary of Interior shall lead the Department of Intetior; they shall be responsible for national security, law enforcement, immigration, border control, and emergency management;
B. Secretary of Foreign Affairs; the Secretary of Foreign Affairs shall lead the Department of Foreign Affairs; they shall be responsible for foreign policy and international relations;
C. Secretary of Finance; the Secretary of Finance shall lead the Department of Finance; they shall be responsible for establishing a national budget, to be approved by the senate, overseeing the production and distribution of currency, levying of taxes, and oversight of trade along with the Foreign Affairs Secretary;
D. Secretary of Justice; the Secretary of Justice shall lead the Department of Justice; they shall be responsible for organizing and overseeing the justice system, and maintaining the legal system; they shall also be the chief legal representative of the Commonwealth and its government;
D. Secretary of Defense; the Secretary of Defense shall lead the Department of Defense and serve as the second-in-command of the armed forces; they shall be responsible for leading the defense forces;

Section II

The following positions shall be the junior members of the Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Columbia;
A. Secretary of Education; the Secretary of Education shall lead the Office of Education of the Department of Domestic Affairs;
B. Secretary of Health & Welfare; the Secretary of Health & Welfare shall lead the Office of Health & Welfare of the Department of Domestic Affairs;
C. Secretary of Energy; the Secretary of Energy shall lead the Office of Energy of the Department of Infrastructure;
D. Secretary of Transportation; the Secretary of Transportation shall lead the Office of Transportation of the Department of Infrastructure;
E. Secretary of Urban Development; the Secretary of Urban Development shall lead the Office of Urban Development of the Department of Infrastructure;

Section III

A. The secretaries are responsible for further organizing their respective departments and offices, with the advice of the President;
B. All secretaries serve at the pleasure of the President and work under their direction and oversight;
C. The Senate can at any time add or remove positions in the Cabinet;

[Terrelis]

Amendment I to the Commonwealth Constitution
(National Identity Amendment)
Author: Senator Xavier King (PP) | Sponsors: Senator John Highshore (PP) & Senator Sofia Church (PP)

---

Section I

A. The official name of the state of Columbia shall be the Commonwealth of Columbia;
B. The official language of the government of Columbia shall be American English;
C. The official name of the armed forces of the state of Columbia shall be the Columbian Defense Forces;
D. The capital city of the state of Columbia shall be Jamestown;
E. There shall be no official religion of the state of Columbia;

[Terrelis]

Equal Education Act
Author: Senator Xavier King (PP) | Sponsors: Senator John Highshore (PP) & Senator Sofia Church (PP)

---

Section I

A. The National Education System shall be under the jurisdiction of the Office of Education in the Department of Domestic Affairs;
B. The Secretary of Education shall be the Chief Academic Officer of the nation, and be responsible for administering the education system;
C. The Secretary of Education shall establish national standards for education; these standards must be approved my the Senate;

Section II

A. Pre-School shall begin at age 3;
B. Elementary School shall begin with first grade at age 5 and end with fifth grade;
C. Middle School shall begin with sixth grade and end with ninth grade;
D. High School shall begin with tenth grade and end with twelfth grade;
E. All citizens must attend school from age 3 until they graduate high school; private schools and homeschooling shall not be an option;
F. Students who do not graduate high school by age 18 will be transferred to an Adult Education Center to receive a General Education Certificate; Section II-E will be waived for students who do not graduate by age 20;

Section III

A. The school year shall begin the third week of July and end the second week of June;
B. Students shall have breaks the last week of September and first week of October, know as Fall Break; the last two weeks of December and first two weeks of January, known as Winter Break; the last week of March and first week of April, known as Spring Break; and the last two weeks of June and first two weeks of July;
C. Students will also receive breaks on Thanksgiving day and Commonwealth day, the day our nation was founded;
D. Pre-School, Elementary, and Middle School students must attend school Monday-Friday from 7AM until 2PM; High School students will attend school Monday-Thursday from 9AM until 4PM;

Section IV

A. All students must study the two core subjects of math and english/language arts from pre-school to grade 12; students must study the subjects of science and social studies during elementary and middle school, social studies must also be studied for two years in high school, and science shall be optional in high school;
B. All students must study a fine art of their choice during middle school and at least two years in high school; students must receive physical education during pre-school and elementary school, and it shall be optional in middle school;
C. All students must study their choice of Arabic, Mandarin, or Spanish from grade one to grade twelve; students shall have the option of studying French, Portuguese, or Russian from grades six to twelve in addition to their initial secondary language;
D. All students must take the Academic Progress Assesment at the end of fifth, ninth, and twelfth grades and pass in order to move on to the next grade or graduate;
E. All teachers must give an exam the week before fall, winter, spring, and summer breaks covering what was taught that term;
F. Schools must offer basketball, soccer, and marching band, and may offer other sports and extra curriculars at the discretion of the Principal;
G. All schools will be led by a Principal, who will be responsible for hiring school staff, establishing curriculum, and managing daily operations; the principal shall be appointed by the Secretary of Education or their appointee;

[Terrelis]

National Security Act
Author: Senator Xavier King (PP) | Sponsirs: Senator John Highshore (PP) & Senator Sofia Church (PP)

---

Section I

A. There shall be four primary law enforcement agencies in Columbia, and they shall be the State Police Force, National Investigation Bureau, Central Intellience Service, and the Capital Security Agency; hereby referred to as SPF, NIB, CIS, and CSA, respectively;
B. All of the above mentioned agencies shall be under the sole jurisdiction of the Interior Department;
C. The SPF shall be led by a Police Commissioner; and the NIB, CIS, and CSA shall be led by directors; all appointed by the Secretary of Interior;

Section II

A. The State Police Force shall be responsible for investigating misdemeanor and felony crimes, and maintaining the safety of the public;
B. They shall have the power to detain, question, and arrest all those who break the law or are suspect to have broken the law; all government officials detained for a felony crime and all those detained for a capital offense must be turned over to the NIB;
C. All suspects who are detained must be let go after 72 hours if there is no evidence against them; except those waiting to be turned over to the NIB;
D. All suspects who are questioned have the right to have an attorney present during all questioning;
E. All suspects who are arrested must be tried within 7 days of their arrest;
F. The SPF shall not arrest any member of the government without first having evidence against them; unless otherwise instructed by the Secretary of Interior or the President;

Section III

A. The National Investigation Bureau shall be responsible for investigating all capital offenses and felony crimes committed by and against government officials or on government property, and maintaining the safety and security of the state;
B. They shall have the power to detain, question, and arrest all those who have committed or are suspect to have committed a crime; they must turn over all those who commit misdemeanor crimes and select felony crimes to the SPF;
C. All suspects detained by the NIB must be released after 120 hours, if there is no evidence against them; unless they are waitinrgg to be turned over to the SPF;
D. All suspects questioned by the NIB have the right to an attorney, unless the presence of an attorney will endanger national security;
E. All suspects arrested by the NIB must be tried within 14 days of their arrest;

Section IV

A. The Capital Security Agency shall be responsible for ensuring the safety and protection of the President, Cabinet, and Senate; as well as providing security for government buildings and property;
B. Each government official shall be assigned a CSA detail by the Secretary of Interior; this detail is non-negotiable and must be accepted;
C. They shall have the power to detain and question all those who commit a crime, or are suspect to have committed a crime against a government official or on government property;
D. All suspects detained by the FSA must be questioned within 24 hours of their detainment, if questioned at all, and must be turned over to the NIB within 24 hours of their questioning, or detainment if the CSA waives questioning;
E. All suspects questioned by the FSA have the right to an attorney during all questioning; unless the presence of an attorney could endanger national security or the security of the president, cabinet, or senate;

Section V

A. The Central Intelligence Service shall be responsible for counterterrorism, intelligence, and counterintelligence, both foreign and domestic;
B. The CIS shall have the power to detain and question all those who commit, are suspect to have committed, or are suspected to commit a crime that endangers national security;
C. All suspects detained by the CIS can be held indefinitely until the necessary is gathered from them;
D. Suspects detained and questioned by the CIS lose their right to an attorney;

Section VI

A. The National Security Cluncil shall be established to advise the Presidebt on military operations, defense strategy, and violent international affairs;
B. The NSC shall be comprised of the Secretary of Interior, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Secreatary of Defense, the Defense Forces Chiefs of Staff, and the Speaker of the Senate;
C. The president may invite other government officials when necessary;

[Terrelis]

"Senators may now begin debating on the Senate Procedure Act, and only that."

[Claven]

After Mr King spoke, Senator Church stood up and presented her views on the bill saying, "Mr Speaker, members of the floor, I would like to propose a few amendments to Senate Procedure Act. First, I would like to add to Section I with a Subsection D which states: The speaker will be unable to reject, merely delay, debate for a bill. This is to avoid any favouritism on behalf of the speakers party. The speaker must remain non-partisan to allow progress in legislative enactment. My second, and final amendment is to Section II Subsection E in removing the minimum time requirements, thus changing it to state: Voting on bills must go on no longer than 48 hours. I see no reason for us to be forced to drag on voting for 24 hours,". She then sat down and waited for the opinion of others on her amendments.

[Terrelis]

"Senator Church you make some very good points your proposed amendments have been made but with a change of wording for Section I-D."

[Sacara]

After awhile of listening, Senator Douglas took his turn to stand up and talk.

"I love the bill, I really do, but with one problem... Section II; Subsection A. Bills should not be taken back by only 72 hours. This is a limit to how bills will play out, no one can expect anyone to finish that in 72 hours, especially budgets."

[Terrelis]

"Senator would you if a clause was added stating that the time of debate will be extended for budget and appropriation bills?"

[Sacara]

"Senator would you if a clause was added stating that the time of debate will be extended for budget and appropriation bills?"

"I would like none at all, but I guess I would." the Senator said. He needed to make allies, not enemies.

[Terrelis]

"With all opinions expressed and taken into account I will now open voting for the Senate Provedure Act, in its current state. Please vote for, against, or abstain. I, Senator King vote for the Senate Procedure Act."

[Claven]

"I, Senator Church, vote for the current Senate Procedure Act"

[Skappola]

"Very well. I, Senator Highshore, vote for."

[Neo-Chicago]

The independent senators, as always, were in a turmoil. Senator Hughes voted for, Senator Jones voted against, Senator Grant voted for, while his distant cousin on his great-great-grandfather's side, twice removed, Senator Howard, voted against the bill. In quick succession, the next four senators also voted against, while surprisingly, almost every independent senator following them (ten of them) voted for. The last independent to vote, Senator Stevens, was now finally up to vote. After careful deliberation, he voted against, mainly due to the fact that Senator Xavier King's girlfriend had beaten Senator Stevens' own wife at a pie-baking contest, not one week preceding the vote. However, he alone could not turn back the tide, as the majority of independents still voted for on the bill. All in all, twelve independents total voted for the bill, while seven voted against. Needless to say, the bill had won the independents over, for a change.

Independents
For: Twelve (12)
Against: Seven (7)

[Sacara]

"I, Senator Douglas, vote aye, for the Senate Procedural Bill," the Senator spoke.

[Terrelis]

"With 105 votes for and 7 against I hereby declare the Senate Procedure Act passed. Debate on the Cabinet Establishment Act and National Identity Amendment can begin now."