The International Senate [IC/MT]

by **The United Conservative Provinces** » Sun Jun 03, 2018 8:32 am

The International Senate

OP: The United Conservative Provinces
Co-OP: Allyrije

The International Senate is an international organization where representatives from around the world meet to discuss issues facing people in today's society. Debates may range from gun laws to immigration policies and nations who hold a seat within the senate have more influence. It is an opportunity for your nation to have more representation in the global community, grow to be a larger influence internationally, and come to common agreement with other states.

Senators are allowed to propose legislation within the senate to resolve conflicts, determine international policies, and request foreign militaristic or humanitarian aid from other states. For a bill to become an international law it requires eighty percent approval among the representatives. Although this is an global function, all sovereignty and power remains with the individual states. Single nations may reject enacting certain legislation in their state, but it is recommended it be accepted and put into action considering that it is in favor of the people.

OOC Thread

News Thread

Rules
1- OP's word is law. Follow it.
2- No real life characters or celebrities.
3- Try to post at least once a week. If real life thing get in the way let me know.
4- No one-liners in the IC. Put some effort into your IC posts.
5- No editing previous posts, once you have made a post you may not change it.
6- No metagaming. Do not use information posted in the OOC that has not occured yet in the IC to prevent an action from happening purposely.
7- Keep OOC comments out of the IC. There is an OOC and IC for a reason.
8- This forum has a PG-13 rule. Swearing is legal in the IC, try to keep gore to a minimum.
9- There is a maximum of 40 seats within the senate. 2 senators maximum per nations.
10- When voting on a bill, you must put your vote in bold.
11- Have any questions? Don't be shy to ask myself or one of the Co-OPs.

Bill Proposal Sheet

Code: Select all: [box][align=center][size=150][b]Official Name:[/b][/size][/align] Overview: (sum up the bill in a 4-6 sentence paragraph) Section 1: (explain the problem that this bill is trying to fix and why it is a problem) Section 2, 3, 4, 5, etc: (Use as many sections and sub-sections as you need to explain the bill) This bill is then honorably presented to the International Senate for consideration in order to (insert a sentence summary) to improve the global community and is backed by (your character's name) on (insert the date) (Before submitting, delete all text in parenthesis)[/box]

Course of a session
Sessions start at various times depending on when all the senators are present in the chamber. Once the first bells have rung, the speaker of the senate begins a session with the daily news and recounts on the last session.

As a senator speaks, an official reporter of debates stands nearby, taking a verbatim account of everything said. Reporters work ten-minute shifts in the chamber and then immediately transcribe their notes. By the next morning, the entire day’s proceedings, along with related materials, are printed in the Senate Record.

When a bill is being debated, the creator of the bill often takes the front row, center aisle. If a time limit has been established, they allot portions of their time to senators wishing to speak for or against the bill. It is not unusual to find only a few members in the chamber at any given time during the debate, with other senators attending committee meetings or working in their offices. Members’ offices are equipped with “hot lines” and televisions that provide instant access to what is happening on the Senate floor. When the bells signal a vote, senators come to the chamber to record their “yays” and “nays.”

Whenever the Senate is in session, the flags of each nation flies above the chamber’s roof. A lantern at the top of the meeting dome is always lit during these night sessions. Whether at 2:00 in the morning or 2:00 in the afternoon, the public is always welcome to the galleries to witness these legislative proceedings.

When debate concludes, the motion in question is put to a vote. The Senate often votes by voice vote. The presiding officer puts the question, and Members respond either "Yay" or Nay". The presiding officer then announces the result of the voice vote. A senator, however, may challenge the presiding officer's assessment and request a recorded vote. The request may be granted only if it is seconded by one-fifth of the senators present. Senators who were not in the chamber when their name was called may still cast a vote so long as the voting remains open. The vote is closed at the discretion of the presiding officer, but must remain open for a minimum of twenty four hours. A majority of those voting determines whether the motion carries. If the vote is tied, the speaker of the senate, is entitled to cast a tie-breaking vote. If the speaker of the senate is not present, the motion fails.

Under the standing rules of the International Senate, a brief period of two hours is given to the senators after the voting on a bill has concluded. The presiding officer of the Senate directs the security to clear the public galleries of spectators, and close all doors of the chamber. The Senate floor will be cleared of all persons except the senators and including their secretaries, if they choose to remain in the chamber. The speaker of the senate will open the next session and first bill to be proposed once it opens will be the next bill to be discussed and voted on.

International Senate Positions

Speaker of the House: Vacant
Presiding Officer: Vacant
ISDA Executive Head: Lieutenant-General Parks (West Pheonicia)

Political Parties

Patriotic Union
Party President: Arana Direnni
Member Senators: Arana Direnni, Vicountess Nedda Bosniaa, Frederico Alcasda, Luna Narcisca
Ideology: Nationalism
Constitution: Our Constitution
Other Info: Mix of people who are economically right and left but are all nationalist to some degree.

Economic Coalition
Party President: Trevor Conway
Member Senators: Trevor Conway, Marco Aurelia, Howard Akara, John Caulfeld, James Marshall-Bakker, and Julian Venizelos
Ideology: Right-wing authoritarianism
Constitution: Our Constitution
Other Info: The Economic Coalition is a group of nations that are authoritative and conservative with a free capitalist market or are capitalist to a considerable extent.

Senator Roster

by **The United Conservative Provinces** » Mon Jun 04, 2018 10:38 am

The bells begin to ring throughout the Senate building in the UCP and the day’s session has begun. Jacob Haas stood up out of his seat and looked out among the senators. He cleared his throat and began to speak, "Welcome senators from around the world, I am pleased with the decision of your nations to join this senate. I would like to begin with the International Senate pledge." The senators stood up simultaneously and began to repeat the pledge.

The senators then returned to occupy their desks on their respective sides of the center aisle, leftists on the left and rightists on the right. Haas began speaking again, "Thank you. Today we have a few bills that we shall discuss and vote on. God be with us as we resolve these issues and determine the future of our great nations. Bills may now be presented." He then turned around took his seat.

As a senator speaks, an official reporter of debates stands nearby, taking a verbatim account of everything said. Reporters work ten-minute shifts in the chamber and then immediately transcribe their notes. By the next morning, the entire day’s proceedings, along with related materials, are printed in the Senate Record.

When a bill is being debated, the creator of the bill often takes the front row, center aisle. If a time limit has been established, they allot portions of their time to senators wishing to speak for or against the bill. It is not unusual to find only a few members in the chamber at any given time during the debate, with other senators attending committee meetings or working in their offices. Members’ offices are equipped with “hot lines” and televisions that provide instant access to what is happening on the Senate floor. When the bells signal a vote, senators come to the chamber to record their “yeas” and “nays.”

Whenever the Senate is in session, the flags of each nation flies above the chamber’s roof. A lantern at the top of the meeting dome is always lit during these night sessions. Whether at 2:00 in the morning or 2:00 in the afternoon, the public is always welcome to the galleries to witness these legislative proceedings.

by **Kowani** » Mon Jun 04, 2018 2:41 pm

Marco Aurelia stepped up to the podium, looking around. Firstly, allow me to thank all nations who have decided to participate in this, and especially the United Conservative Provinces for establishing this inciative. Let this body be an example to all of humanity, a beacon for the general who are yet to come, and let it do good for the world. Secondly, allow me to present the historic first bill to the International Senate. I have been working on this for various years back in Kowani, and it changed society. It’s also long, and I’d be happy to answer any questions about it during the review and voting periods.

Official Name:Nationalization of essential services

Overview:Considering that private industry often ignores ir actively exploits the poorest citizens, forcing them to seek substandard goods or services at abusive prices, or artificially restricts supply so as to drive up prices, and uses the idea of “planned obsolescence” to force citizens to buy new products, thereby creating extra waste as well as forcing the less affluent to use outdated equipment or fight for basic needs to be fulfilled.
Section 1: This bill, if passed, will fight abusive industry practices by submitting them to strict government oversight, as well as allow those who cannot afford to pay for the most basic of necessities by creating government programs to cover them.
Section 2:Defines an essential service as one absolutely necessary for human life such as water, food, housing, healthcare and clothing.
Section 3: Requires that all signatories create government organizations, paid for by taxes, that are charged with the provision of said services.
Section 4:Defines essential healthcare as one that is necessary to prevent death and leave the patient in stable condition.
Section 5: Recommends that all signatories create tax breaks for all businesses who provide these services in humane and non-abusive fashion.
Section 6: Requires that the aforementioned essential services be accessible to all citizens, although methods of distribution be left up to the government.
Section 7: Requires the institution of a housing program for low income citizens.
Section 8: Prevents private institutions from refusing essential services to citizens for any reason not backed by law.
Section 9:Recommends that all signatories create a research and development program for medical practices and creation of medicine, so as to allow for easier distribution of said medicine.
Section 10: Requires that the houses created by the low income housing project be sufficiently spacious as to not endanger life.
Section 11: Requires that all of said houses be connected to plumbing lines and an electrical grid.
Section 12: Requires that these services be provided to all government or privately owned incarceration facilities.
Section 13: Creates a committee, the Essential Services Provision Bureau, so as to insure that these services are safely and humanely provided.
Section 14: The ESPB will be independent from any national authority.
Section 15: The ESPB shall have the power to close down all services provided by private institutions found to be in violation of these laws, to create and provide essential services when the local government cannot, investigate, for any reason, the safety levels of government facilities that provide these services.
Section 16: Establishes minimum security regulations for the provision of these services.
Section 17: Prevents government organizations who provide essential services from benefiting from any source of revenue other than taxes or donations made by citizens who do not use said organizations.
This bill is then honorably presented to the International Senate for consideration in order to prevent human suffering and loss of life, regulate free market abuses, and to improve the global community and is backed by Marco Aurelia on Monday, June 4th, 2018.
(Before submitting, delete all text in parenthesis)

by **Brendislav** » Mon Jun 04, 2018 5:48 pm

After hearing the bill Mr. Aurelia proposed to the council Oliver Cohn excused himself for a brief moment and entered his office. He hung up his coat, sighed, and fell into his chair. He was a general, not a politician, yet his country chose him, he had to serve them best.
Oliver picked up the phone and explained the bill to the Office of Internal affairs. After much assurance that “yes this line is secure” and “yes I am currently alone” they talked business. And after a long talk and much deliberation he returned to the counsel. Waiting for a pause in the commotion, Oliver Cohn spoke to the senators.
“While this bill ensures that our citizens rights will be protected, as well as their welfare there are a couple of sections that I, and the United Socialist States of Brendislav, wish to negotiate.
Our first is with Section 3: That signatories must pay for these government organizations with additional taxes. While normally this would not pose an issue, just a few years ago my country was in civil war. Our economy is not strong enough to ensure that each and every citizen will get this need. Our tax rate is already above 70% and any further taxes will send our entire population into poverty. What I suggest is that other more stable countries provide aid to ensure that nations without the economic capabilities can meet these quotas.
Now onto Section 14: That the ESPB will be independent from national authority. What I will never sacrifice is the security and safety of my country, if people are to enter our nation, they must follow our rules. Secondly, as I have stated before, our country was in civil war, this ESPB is a perfect gateway for the Royalists to infiltrate and sabotage our most vital services. They will be able to control what services our citizens retrieve, where they sleep, and if they have water. If we are to agree to this bill we must have some assurance that our governments will be able to monitor the ESPB.
Thank you for your time and ears, my fellow senators, hopefully we will be able to find a common ground for all of us.”

by **A m e n r i a** » Mon Jun 04, 2018 7:12 pm

The two Amenrian senators read the proposal for the first bill and listened intently to Oliver Cohn's arguments. Once he was finished, Feofil Novoluniye stood up. A cold aura of dignity and pride can be felt across the room. He began to speak, his Slavic accent distinguishable. "I think that your bill would serve the peoples of all our nations well. However, I do not think this goes far enough." The vampire looks away for a while, before continuing. "Before Amenria was founded, Asia had many children who had no education due to lack of funds, forcing them to repeat the vicious cycle their parents or peers went through. It would be better to include educational services to your bill."

"Naturally, I agree with my comrade." Zhang Jinyi said, standing next to his countryman. "I also share the same concern as Senator Cohn. For the six years that Amenria has been standing, we have already seized essential services from the filthy hands of greedy capitalists. Our people prosper because our government officials are incorruptible nobles. Will you be able to ensure that ESPB personnel have the same purity of heart? If so, then I'll gladly support your bill." Senator Zhang then looked at Senator Cohn. "I'm sure we can arrange funding to support the ESPB. Regardless, I'm sure His Majesty would agree to aid you financially. We are socialist comrades, after all."

by **The United Conservative Provinces** » Mon Jun 04, 2018 7:16 pm

When Feofil Novoluniye returned to his seat, Trevor Conway noticed a conflict between the proposed bill and the UCP's constitution. He rose from his seat with a look of composure on his face. He walked over to the pulpit and began to disclose his concerns to the senate, "Mr. Aurelia, I understand that you as well as your nation have good intentions with the bill that has been proposed, but it seems as if it is a movement towards socialism. Knowing that my nation is a conservative state and considering that our constitution declares that long-term welfare will remain non-existent, creating a more self-reliant community rather than allowing citizens to remain dependent on government provisions and the use of taxation to redistribute income, fund unnecessary or ineffective programs, or foster the crony capitalism that corrupts both politicians and corporations is illegal I would like to make a proposition that will make this bill legal in my nation.
It is mandatory that the leaders of my nation retain low taxes as well as a small government as an incentive for people to work, save, invest, and engage in entrepreneurial endeavors. More government organization lead to a larger government and more taxes, as stated in section 3. To make this legislation legal in the UCP, it would have to act as a charity program and receive donations from citizens or corporations. Donations made to the ESPB will not be taxed and as an incentive to donate to the ESPB, it shall act as a tax deductible.
Citizens maintain the right to refuse service to anyone they wish, and is not punishable by law nor will it ever be. Section 8 would need to be nullified completely or alternated to; Advocates for private institutions to not refuse essential services to citizens.
Because the ESPB would act as a charity, it would not have direct authority to close down services provided by private institutions found to be in violation of these laws as stated in section 14. It would be required that the committee go through the judicial or equitable branch of the government in order to do so.
I pray that we may find a solution to these issues." Trevor Conway took one last glance around the room, stepped away from the pulpit, and retired to his seat.

by **Kowani** » Tue Jun 05, 2018 7:43 am

Marco Aurelia conferred with his aides, speaking in a mixture of Kowani and machine-speak. Finally, he stepped away from the group, turning back towards the podium. Nodding towards his contemporaries, he took the podium. If those are all the comments to be made about this bill, I shall address your concerns one by one.

Brendislav.1: I understand that after a civil war, finding finances can be hard. However, these services are the basic ones needed to maintain human life. Water, food,housing... These sort of things should be among some of the highest priorities during a reconstruction period. However, if you truly cannot meet the needs of your citizens, I shall propose in another bill an International Banking Collective, a sort of monetary fund, if you will, allowing for both lending and borrowing between members of the Senate.
2: Section 14: The ESPB shall be independent from national authority. This does not mean they can do whatever they like, nor that they shall not be monitored. Due to National Sovereignty, the ESPB must be monitored by the government of whatever nation they are working at the time. If said government feels that the ESPB is acting in a partisan manner, they have the right to launch a public inquiry, as well as report them to the International Senate itself. This clause does not exempt them from following national law, except in cases where said laws prohibit them doing their job. It does however, mean that no national government can mandate over the ESBP.

A m e n r i a. I do consider education to be an essential service for the improvement of humanity. As such, the following sections have been added.
Section 18: Requires that all signatories create and maintain public school systems.
Section 19: Recommends that said schools have bus services created to device them, allowing for easier attendance.
Section 20: Mandates minimum levels of quality for said public schools.
Section 21: Prohibits government funded schools from being religious organizations.
Section 22: Stipulates that the above clause does not forbid schools from teaching about religion, but rather from said schools teaching religious beliefs as fact.
Section 23: Recommends the creation of a scholarship program based on academic or athletic merit.
Section 24: Recomends the creation of public universities.
Section 25: Requires all school textbooks to be under 5 years old in the following subjects: Math, Biology, Astronomy, National Language Studies, and Physics.
Section 26: Prohibits schools from forcing teachers to pay for textbooks, black/whiteboards, or computers.
Section 27: Recommends that schools hire security guards.

As for the second subject, although I cannot personally vouch for every single future member of the EBSP, I can create an advanced vetting process, as well as built in checks and balances to prevent abuses.

United Conservative Provinces. Yes, maintaining low taxes is good for the most fortunate, however if their is no food in your household, I believe that one would think differently. As to your comments on a prolonged welfare program’s illegality, this only covers the absolute necessary to prevent death and improve quality of life. Yes, one can become reliant upon this system, yet losing 20 more dollars in taxes is more beneficial than losing them to a large corporation who answers to no one. If your tax rate is already so low, I doubt that many people would be unable to invest due to having large amounts of disposable income.
Thirdly, Section 8 mentions that it does not effect reasons covered by law. If a law allows for any reason for refusal of service, regardless of what that reason might be, Section 8 will not take effect.
Finally, I assumed this was understood, but apparently not so I shall explain it better. The ESBP cannot unilaterally close down said services. Rather, they report it to both the Nation in question and the International Senate, creating two tribunals. If the company is found guilty of providing essential services in an inhumane manner, said services will be expropriated by the ES P for improvement and then, once said services meet requirements, they shall be returned to the national government.

by **A m e n r i a** » Tue Jun 05, 2018 7:55 am

"You see, now you're making things worse with section 22. Religion is fact and we keep the empire great and virtually crime-free by helping citizens distinguish right and wrong from an early age, as well as keep them in a healthy mental state. Remove said section and we'll have no problems." Remarked Senator Zhang, this time with a bit more decisiveness. "Might I suggest using our sin-detection technology to help with keeping the EBSP in check?"

by **Kowani** » Tue Jun 05, 2018 8:14 am

If religion is fact, then nations with differing national religions or lack of them would be teaching different things as the basis of reality. Imagine you had, in your school, two students of different religions. How would you tell one of them that their beliefs are less valuable than the other’s?. Marco shook his head. Although I understand that you may see differently, we are trying to accommodate as many people as possible. Section 22 does not say that a government cannot mandate religious beliefs, but rather that schools funded by taxes should not be used to support them, as it infringes on a child’s right to choose their own belief, as mandated by the WA, something Kowani is a part of. I suppose if you absolutely must make religious teaching mandatory, parents must have the option to an opt-out program for their children, although I’d personally prefer it to remain secular.

As for the sin detectors... how would those work? On what basis is something a sin? “T’decisič?”

by **Agarntrop** » Tue Jun 05, 2018 8:28 am

Emir Khanabul arrives in his seat, reads the bill, then explains his stance:

"The following bill I agree with mostly and I very much think that this will improve the lives of low income families and slash poverty levels so therefore I shall be voting aye. However, I am not suggesting that there are no problems with this bill. In fact, section 27 is not only frankly ridiculous but would turn a school into a policed society that I cannot accept. Security guards would install fear into pupils and create a threatening environment for the children at schools across nations participating in the international senate. However, this is only one section and it is only a recommendation and, as I very much support articles 1-26, I will be voting aye'

by **A m e n r i a** » Tue Jun 05, 2018 8:41 am

Kowani wrote:If religion is fact, then nations with differing national religions or lack of them would be teaching different things as the basis of reality. Imagine you had, in your school, two students of different religions. How would you tell one of them that their beliefs are less valuable than the other’s?. Marco shook his head. Although I understand that you may see differently, we are trying to accommodate as many people as possible. Section 22 does not say that a government cannot mandate religious beliefs, but rather that schools funded by taxes should not be used to support them, as it infringes on a child’s right to choose their own belief, as mandated by the WA, something Kowani is a part of. I suppose if you absolutely must make religious teaching mandatory, parents must have the option to an opt-out program for their children, although I’d personally prefer it to remain secular.

As for the sin detectors... how would those work? On what basis is something a sin? “T’decisič?”

"All schools in the empire are funded by taxes. Though we are tolerant of people of various faiths, in the end, only one is true. Here is a brief explanation of how an Amenrian sin detector works. Please activate a device with bluetooth so that I may send you the file." Senator Zhang taps on his watch several times. Still fixing his eyes on the gadget on his wrist, he continues. "As for what constitutes a sin, I have a digital copy of the Quran I can send you right now. Most are easily understandable through common sense, such as murder, rape, animal abuse, and such."

by **Agarntrop** » Tue Jun 05, 2018 8:47 am

"If I may say I have been looking through this bill again and noticed a severe problem with article 25, many textbooks that are over 5 years old are still extremely adequate. I think instead of expensively and stupidly banning all textbooks over 5 years old, instead we should ban textbooks that were made before the last national curriculum in that nation."

by **Kowani** » Tue Jun 05, 2018 9:21 am

“As for section 27, as that’s merely a recommendation, implementation is not mandatory.” As for the textbooks, 5 years may be somewhat expensive. I believe in the final submission of the bill, I shall change it.”

To Senator Zhang. I can also point out a large amount of things in the Qu’aran that probably shouldn’t be in modern society, and in the Bible or Torah even more so. A book hundreds or thousands of years old is not necessarily the greatest teacher of morality. I will concede the point that some of it is still valid today, however.

Senator Aurelia looked at a palmtop computer, allowing the Bluetooth file to be sent.

by **Agarntrop** » Tue Jun 05, 2018 10:43 am

"Then I am glad this issue has been resolved and reaffirm my aye stance"

by **Allyrije** » Tue Jun 05, 2018 11:14 am

Arana Direnni skimmed through the bill whilst seated, blocking out the ruckus of the debate surrounding her. Seated quite far to the right of the main hall, most of the other members were easily within her peripheral vision as she tried to make some sense of the bill. She rose from her seat, a stern look on her face as she looked the room up and down.

"This bill could never be accepted by any decent citizen of Allyria. The first major problem I see is the potential violations of the Allyrian constitution the passing of this bill would cause. Specifically, sections 1, 8, 12 and 15 would either conflict in a direct manner with either previously passed legislation or with the constitution. Section one would interfere with the levels of economic freedom granted to citizens and businesses under the constitution, section 8 would violate an entity's right to withhold services for any reason guaranteed by the constitution, section 12 would interfere with the emergency detention facilities act and section 15 would subject the Allyrian economy and Allyrian businesses, who are constitutionally protected by the government, to non-Allyrian oversight which is not something in the interests of our nation or people for the uncalled for interference of foreigners, especially in our land's economic affairs, has never worked out too well for us."

The Senator cleared her throat before continuing, "Whilst I can respect some of the good intentions of this bill, I have merely stated the ways in which this bill interferes with our constitution and how I'm sure it does with the constitutions of many others. However, I have many more objections to lay down to this chamber today. My nation is one where high levels of taxation are not only frowned upon but legally and religiously prohibited. Our treasury's financial guidelines prohibit tax rates of over 40%, as well as deficit spending. The dominant faith of Allyria also says that 'any ruler who takes more than 4 out of 10 Horses' which in this context is referring to the wealth of farmers 'is frowned upon by the divine and will be duly punished.' Of course, much of this bill, especially that which relates to increased regulation and government intervention, would require either increased taxes or deficit spending to facilitate and enforce. The simple fact of the matter is that the increased spending caused by this bill we simply would not be able to meet, especially with a population growing at the rate ours is and with the vastness of our nation the cost of the state connecting everyone to these 'essential services' would be too much for our people to bare. Not only that, but increased taxes would hamper future investment in our land, reducing the employment opportunities of future generations of our people and slowing our economic growth."

"Finally, we must take issue with the amendments discussed by which I mean sections 18-27 which somehow managed to get under my skin more than the rest of the bill combined. Whilst I can actually agree with most of the bill, the restrictions on religious schooling would simply be too strenuous for our nation. We have a long history of the religious with guarenteed protections under the constitution participating in Schooling and instilling proper values in our young. It would also violate the legislation already in place for the government to finance the schooling of each Allyrian child in either a state or religious schooling environment until the age of 18. In Allyria, there is already a scholarship system in place for those classified as "academically excellent" and all those who have performed Military Service are entitled to some sort of free tertiary education. So, naturally, we agree with sections 23-26."

She gazes around the room, gauging the reaction of the other senators, "To end with, whilst I appreciate the spirit of this bill, the reality is our nation is not financially able or ideologically willing to support this bill without serious reform and expanded cooperation through this chamber on what this bill does entail."

She straightens her jacket and returns to her seat, waiting for the debate to continue.

by **Kowani** » Tue Jun 05, 2018 1:25 pm

Senator Aurelia stared for a few seconds at Arena Direnni, before muttering something in Kowani. Pra’q as pêssoas n’m’cutan? “Very well, Senator Direnni, you seem to have a mixture of legitimate complaints and misconceptions. I shall endeavor to clear this up, as well as explain why some of these things are necessary.

1: Section 1 does not actually prevent businesses from doing anything, but rather create government programs to benefit the least fortunate.
2: Section 8 only prevents services from being provided in cases not covered by the law. As the constitution of Allyrije is a law, it supersedes Section 8.
3: I looked for a Emergency Detention Facilities Act, and couldn’t find one, so it would be useful if more information on it could be provided. If the cause of worry is safety concerns, said services could work on an isolated network, although I believe denying them these services is a violation of human rights, with the exception of electricity.
4: That is part of the trade off of joining an international organization UCB as this one, you cede some of your autonomy. However, as I explained to the UCP’s Senator, the ECPB also has to go through the government of the country whose services they are trying to shut down, allowing them to investigate themselves if they find it necessary.
5:The Government is not required to connect all citizens to said network, merely those who cannot afford to use private corporations. If you are prevented from raising taxes above 40%, consider creating extra taxes for multimillion corporations, billionaires or foreign companies working within your borders. Alternatively, cut spending in one are to fund others.
6: You claim sections 18-27 to be the worst parts of the bill. Allow me to break this into several subsections.
6.1:Section 18, if you already have a program in place, you shouldn’t need to create a new one.
6.2:Section 19, besides being a recommendation, advocates for the creation of a bus service so advanced to benefit students who live far away or cannot afford cars. Think of it as an extension of a public transportation system.
6.3:Section 20 establishes absolute basic minimums of education levels. Things that are necessary for any child to complete their education; literacy, basic math, some history, their national language.
6.4: Section 21: Allow me to quote myself:
Kowani wrote:If religion is fact, then nations with differing national religions or lack of them would be teaching different things as the basis of reality. Imagine you had, in your school, two students of different religions. How would you tell one of them that their beliefs are less valuable than the other’s?. [i]Although I understand that you may see differently, we are trying to accommodate as many people as possible. Section 22 does not say that a government cannot mandate religious beliefs, but rather that schools funded by taxes should not be used to support them, as it infringes on a child’s right to choose their own belief, as mandated by the WA, something Kowani is a part of. I suppose if you absolutely must make religious teaching mandatory, parents must have the option to an opt-out program for their children, although I’d personally prefer it to remain secular.

7: By forcing schools to teach a certain religion, religious minority’s will often push back and radicalize, wheareas by allowing all faiths or lack of them equal rights, you create tolerance and allow new points of view, some of which may be beneficial.

by **The United Conservative Provinces** » Tue Jun 05, 2018 1:33 pm

The bells ring calling for the votes of the senators. Jacob Haas stood up began to began to speak, "Thank you senators for your input on this bill, and thank you to Marco Aurelia for spending the time to create it. I would now like to begin the voting process. Senator Aurelia, please present the final draft of the bill. If you support the bill say yay and if you oppose the bill say nay." Haas returned to his seat and the presiding officer began counting the votes.

When debate concludes, the motion in question is put to a vote. The Senate often votes by voice vote. The presiding officer puts the question, and Members respond either "Yay" or Nay". The presiding officer then announces the result of the voice vote. A senator, however, may challenge the presiding officer's assessment and request a recorded vote. The request may be granted only if it is seconded by one-fifth of the senators present. Senators who were not in the chamber when their name was called may still cast a vote so long as the voting remains open. The vote is closed at the discretion of the presiding officer, but must remain open for a minimum of twenty four hours. A majority of those voting determines whether the motion carries. If the vote is tied, the speaker of the senate, is entitled to cast a tie-breaking vote. If the speaker of the senate is not present, the motion fails.

by **Kowani** » Tue Jun 05, 2018 2:21 pm

Official Name:Nationalization of Essential Services

Overview:Considering that private industry often ignores ir actively exploits the poorest citizens, forcing them to seek substandard goods or services at abusive prices, or artificially restricts supply so as to drive up prices, and uses the idea of “planned obsolescence” to force citizens to buy new products, thereby creating extra waste as well as forcing the less affluent to use outdated equipment or fight for basic needs to be fulfilled.
Section 1: This bill, if passed, will fight abusive industry practices by submitting them to strict government oversight, as well as allow those who cannot afford to pay for the most basic of necessities by creating government programs to cover them.
Section 2:Defines an essential service as one absolutely necessary for human life such as water, food, housing, healthcare and clothing.
Section 3: Requires that all signatories create government organizations, paid for by taxes, that are charged with the provision of said services.
Section 4:Defines essential healthcare as one that is necessary to prevent death and leave the patient in stable condition.
Section 5: Recommends that all signatories create tax breaks for all businesses who provide these services in humane and non-abusive fashion.
Section 6: Requires that the aforementioned essential services be accessible to all citizens, although methods of distribution be left up to the government.
Section 7: Requires the institution of a housing program for low income citizens.
Section 8: Prevents private institutions from refusing essential services to citizens for any reason not backed by law.
Section 8.1: In the case of a law allowing for a reason to refuse services, Section 8 shall be rendered null and void.
Section 9:Recommends that all signatories create a research and development program for medical practices and creation of medicine, so as to allow for easier distribution of said medicine.
Section 10: Requires that the houses created by the low income housing project be sufficiently spacious as to not endanger life.
Section 11: Requires that all of said houses be connected to plumbing lines and an electrical grid.
Section 12: Requires that these services be provided to all government or privately owned incarceration facilities.
Section 13: Creates a committee, the Essential Services Provision Bureau, so as to insure that these services are safely and humanely provided.
Section 14: The ESPB will be independent from any national authority.
Section 15: The ESPB shall have the power to close down all services provided by private institutions found to be in violation of these laws, after reporting said institutions to both the International Senate and the Host Government.
Section 15.1: The Host Government shall have the ability to conduct their own independent investigation if they do desire. If the government decides that the reported facility violated none of these laws, they may deny the ESPB’s shutdown order.
Section 15.2: A shutdown order stipulates that the service being provided be relinquished to the ESBP, who will upgrade it to be regulation complient, after which they shall return it to the Host Government.
Section 16: Establishes minimum security regulations for the provision of these services.
Section 17: Prevents government organizations who provide essential services from benefiting from any source of revenue other than taxes or donations made by citizens or corporations who do not use said organizations.
Section 18: Requires that all signatories create and maintain public school systems.
Section 19: Recommends that said schools have bus services created to device them, allowing for easier attendance.
Section 20: Mandates minimum levels of quality for said public schools.
Section 21: Requires that a government that funds religious schools maintain a number of secular schools or an opt-out program from the religious parts of said curriculum.
Section 22: Stipulates that the above clause does not forbid schools of religion from using government funds.
Section 23: Recommends the creation of a scholarship program based on academic or athletic merit.
Section 24: Recomends the creation of public universities.
Section 25: Requires all school textbooks to be updated along with any national curriculum changes that affect the material contained in said textbooks.
Section 26: Prohibits schools from forcing teachers to pay for textbooks, black/whiteboards, or computers.
Section 27: Recommends that schools hire security guards.
Section 28: Suggests that the International Senate create an International Bank to allow member states with weaker or more restrictive economic models to fund projects.
This bill is then honorably presented to the International Senate for consideration in order to prevent human suffering and loss of life, regulate free market abuses, and to improve the global community and is backed by Marco Aurelia on Tuesday, June 5th, 2018.

I have made some changes to the initial draft, so please read the whole thing carefully.

by **Agarntrop** » Wed Jun 06, 2018 7:46 am

Emir Khanabul was having a last-minute read of the bill whilst speaking to one of his closest aids. They has a small 90-second discussion before Khanabul rose from his seat and declared 'Yay'

by **Allyrije** » Wed Jun 06, 2018 10:07 am

Direnni remained in her seat, consulting with her aids. "Ni'el halínn Athjarrhaitárr los tilmaumin, shéllith." She rises from her seat once again, "Nay!"

by **The United Conservative Provinces** » Wed Jun 06, 2018 11:56 am

Trevor Conway was contemplating the bill when the officer called his name to vote. He didn't answer for a moment, but knowing the UCP constitution by heart and in fear of the possibility of losing his office as senator, Conway replied, "Nay."

by **Brendislav** » Thu Jun 07, 2018 9:18 am

Oliver Cohn looks over the new changes to the bill, slowly shaking his head. He further consults his aides, whispering in hushed tones between them. Soon after Oliver Cohn stands up, delivering a forceful "Nay."

by **West Phoenicia** » Thu Jun 07, 2018 11:48 am

Vicountess Nedda Bosniaa had spent the better half of the last hour talking in hushed tones with her aides about the bill proposed by Marco Aurelia of Kowani while one of her ladies in waiting prepared her a hot team with a teaspoon of honey and a slice of lemon.

Due to her political convictions most of the bill flew in the face of what she held sacred. The West Phoenician Congress which had a majority of moderate to right wing leaning parties in power would find the bill too intrusive on the Constitution of West Phoenicia.

She knew many bills would be read that conflicted with the political atmosphere of West Phoenicia, at times she knew some times, certain bills would need to be rejected, while others could be accepted as long as it did not impacts on the lives of millions of West Phoenicians and as long as it benefited the vast majority of citizens under the International Senate.

She took a small sip of her tea and stood up, "I like to thank Senator Aureila for a well thought out bill that shows compassion and heart and soul. West Phoenicia holds all life sacred and basic human rights are given to each citizen and many of these clauses have been already implemented across our nation. I vote nay. I urge Senator Aureila, to refurnish the bill, it is so broad at the moment, if he was to focus on certain areas such as affordable housing for low income citizens or a bill designed for education instead of having such a broad brush of multiple services, he may find our response would lean more towards aye, if the service was manageable, in everyone's nest interest and did not step on government toes in our home states. We look forward to future bills to read over. But for this bill we vote nay."

by **Mabuhay Land** » Tue Jun 12, 2018 1:59 am

Both senators of Mabuhay Land is chatting over the matter. Somehow, they are debating about the bill if it wil be beneficial to Mabuhay Land. They decided to not have a joint statement.

Senator Alcasda stands up, signaling his stance to be heard. "Fellow senators, I believe in this bill. The essential services must be given by the government but not all can be given due to lack of money, power and the chance to do so. We must not put pressure on nations to implement a radical bill like this."

Senator Narcisca butts in the matter, "Except that nations have joined in the International Senate because they pledge to accept a bill that is suggested by the International Senate. This services may help the people somehow slightly over, on and under the poverty line. This will help the families with no income to be healthy, smart and supportive of each other."

Luna shouts, "Mabuhay Land approves!" Frederico cuts her statement, "Correction, disapproves." The senators held for a truce and said, "The Federal Republic of Mabuhay Land abstains about the bill." Senator Narcisca stresses out that Mabuhay Land has adopted the public service nationalization proposed in the bill which led to its abstinence.

by **A m e n r i a** » Tue Jun 12, 2018 4:41 am

Both Amenrian senators looked at each other, shared whispers among themselves and nodded to each other. "So do we. Let the people of our nations have what they deserve." Said the Chinese.

The International Senate [IC/MT]

Executive Head of the ISDA

The International Senate [IC/MT]

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