The International Senate [IC/MT]

[West Phoenicia]

Senator Viscountess Bosniaa rose from her seat

"I Thank Senator Aureila for their words and observations. Of course that is just their view and one can ponder if his sharp tongue is directed at me because i voted no to his bill Nationalization of essential services.

Compromise is something that all senators should strive for. But there are just times when one can look at a bill and see no benefit for firstly West Phoenicians and secondly other nations of this senate. Give us a bill that benefits people in a right manner and we would support it. We will not support a leftist bill that lets immorality creep in. I do not believe that will benefit anyone. All this current bill does is teach young females to be loose with their bodies and morals. We will be voting nay on the current bill.

We see no area where we can compromise. That does not mean we wont accept other bills that are introduced to the floor. And as a West Phoenicians, you may need to realise we are an entitled nation. Deal with it. In time you will see we strongly support bills that will benefit all, and fight those bills which only support a minority or leftist agenda. I am right wing, i make no apologies. Under these senate rules 2 senators are allowed from all nations. Just to make people aware West Phoenicia will field another senator. Under terms of the West Phoenician Congress the second senator will most likely be a centrist or left wing senator. My congress has 1000 senators. The bulk of the right wing and Conservative parties voted to send me here as they hold the majority in West Phoenicia. The remaining senators will vote on a second representative.

Thank you speaker

[Eastern Fianoglach]

Senator Caulfeld rose from his seat.

"It is very disheartening to see such animosity towards each other so early in the term of this institution. One hopes that resolution to these difficulties can be found before more extreme steps are taken.

With regard to the bill, having carefully considered the issues with my government representatives and advisors, we are left with no option but to vote nay."

[The United Conservative Provinces]

Senator Conway sat quietly in his seat not wanting to be dragged into the small argument between the other senators. He had just finished reading through the final draft of the bill for the third time and was prepared to cast his vote. He waited for his close friend and political party mate, senator caulfeld, to finish voicing his vote before he rose out of his seat and proclaimed his own. “I understand your intentions senator Khanabul, but the UCP as a conservative state does not back the cumpolsory education of sexual reproduction. Children should not be forced to lose their innocence at a young age, niether should they be forced to learn about the reproductive system of the body until their own bodies develop and their minds become more mature. For this reason, I shall vote nay on the Sexuality Education bill.” He sat back down not making eye contact with any of the other senators.

[Brendislav]

Senator Kohn stayed in his seat, as the others bickered, he watched from the outside as the tensions flared up. As a military man, he knew when to stay out of the political crossfire, he worked in a career where you worked with men who could ruin you with a single sentence. After the arguments, Cohn stood up to place his vote. "The bill proposed to us is an important one indeed. Regardless of our beliefs and ideals, every single man and woman will eventually encounter sex. What senator Khanabul is proposing is a law ensuring our education system will help our citizens know what to do when they are committed to a relationship. This will lead to our citizens becoming healthier, safer, and happier. But most importantly, this bill does not tell us how we should govern, how we should believe, it provides the proper exceptions for our nations to follow this bill without betraying our own values. Because of this I will vote yay for the Sexual Education bill"

Cohn looks to his advisors, who all slowly nod. He looks back to the senate, standing bolt upright. "I also advise the senators who wish to help themselves and their fellow man get the proper representation in this senate to join the conference that senator Khanabul has proposed. Furthermore, I am announcing that I will be attending this conference. Hopefully with enough members, we will be able to discuss the impacts of all the parties forming in this senate, and in aiding those who wish to join one find the right fit. Thank you for your time senators."

[New Giliberafta]

Senator Rafael Rodriguez soon after stood up from his chair to speak. Rodriguez was aware of the tension and decided to make his statement short and sweet in order to prevent any sort of controversy from ensuing.

“Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, it is an honor to be here,” Rodriguez said in a thick Hispanic accent. “Senator Khanabul, I can tell you is a very good man. This bill you wrote today is good, but it has some problems. I do believe that all nations should teach students about their own bodies and should teach some form of sexual education. However, I think this bill, as everyone else talked about, can lead to big problems. I think thirteen is too young for kids to know about sex, even if optional. I also think that, although I want other countries to adopt good sexual education standards, that we shouldnt force any country to do so. However, I am also conflicted because I wish to see some progress in sexual education in the world. Plus, I think there are other matters that need to be addressed before we can really focus on this. So I, for Giliberafta, will abstain. Thank you.”

[The United Conservative Provinces]

The final bells ring, the presiding officer has called for all votes of the senators that were present in the chamber. The officer stands up and hands Jacob Haas the paper of votes he had recorded. Jacob Haas moves to the pulpit and begins to speak, "We would like to thank senator Khanabul for the proposing of the bill Sexuality Education. The votes have been collected and the bill Sexuality Education has been defeated." Haas paused for a moment for the senators to process the announcement. "The senate will now be closed for a short period of two hours to allow senators time to rest and finalize any bill proposals that may be made in the next session. Thank you." He exited the chamber to his office through a back door.

Yay- 3
Emir Khanabul
Marco Aurelia
Oliver Cohn

Nay- 6
Arana Direnni (President)
Trevor Conway (President)
Viscountess Nedda Bosniaa
John Caulfeld

Abstain-1
Rafael Rodriguez

---

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.

[Agarntrop]

As the results are read out Senator Khanabul cradles his head in a dissatisfied manner. He writes some notes then consults his aids. He then makes a 'clinging' noise to gain attention and the Senate grows quiet:

"Senators!" He pronounces, loud and clear. "I cannot stress my disappointment of the result of the vote enough! Not just the fact it was rejected but the fact that the presidents of the two largest parties, the EC and the PU, have used their unfair, unprecented power to block this bill! Is this house aware that the leaders of the two largest parties could block a bill easily even if every single other senator voted for and vice versa! I call an immediate debate to end the ridiculous law that gives the presidents of parties their votes and the votes of all the members of their party which gives them unessacerily high, almost absolute, power!"

He exanges glances with senators Conway and Direnni and returns to his seat with a stern but impressed face.

[Kowani]

Senator Aurelia rises, his servo-harness moving erratically. “I agree with Emir Khanabul, although not just for the reasons stressed. The bill would have lost, even without political parties being involved. However, it would have lost 4-3, not 12-3. Just two personal votes tripled the amount of electoral votes the bill got. This gives Senators Direnni and Conway disproportionate amounts of power, and essentially amounts to a split veto. On top of this, their ideological similarities make passing bills that don’t fit their spectrum a near impossibility.”

“I am aware that we will be attacked, and most likely be called sore losers, as this was only added after a bill we backed was voted down. However, it is precisely that which allowed the failure in the system to be brought to light. The party structure would work, but only if there were many more senators, or alternatively instead of giving an extra vote for every member, a ser number for every political party, and even that would still require more senators in the entire Senate.”

[Allyrije]

Direnni moves towards the Pulpit once again and smiles towards the left-wing. "On the contrary Mr Aurelia, I have no intention of attacking you. In fact, I agree with you. To a certain extent, of course. Whilst I believe that Party Presidents should have more voting power than the rest of the senators, I also believe that this should not be over proportionate. If I may, I wish to suggest that the votes of each President are re-valued from four to two. I also ask Senator Khanabul to hurry up the process of forming his own left-wing movement to balance out the votes of the Presidents on the right-wing in this matter."

She looks directly at Senator Aurelia, "Again, I shall return to yourself Mr. Aurelia. Whilst myself and the Economic Coalition may have some similarities on some economic and social issues, I believe you will find common cause with some of us in the Patriotic Union on certain issues such as Civil Rights for particular groupings in society as well as environmental policy. Perhaps in the future, if instead of ranting on about the very clear ideological faultlines which run through this house of which I believe we are all aware, I think it would be wiser for you to consult my political grouping when you wish to get certain bills through. After all, cooperation in the area of legislation never hurt anyone. It is better to sacrifice some parts of your bill and do much as opposed to doing nothing at all, no?"

She eases her posture and facial expression, "In order to get legislation passed in this house we will need cooperation on the content and wording of bills. If this is not done I believe this house will get very little done in its future and will be remembered as nought but an inert dud of a legislature. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."

[New Giliberafta]

Senator Rodriguez said rose from his seat and looked towards Senator Khanabul’s direction. “Senator Khanabul makes very good point. We can not allow party leaders to heavily outweigh the votes of other Senators. But I also agree with something Senator Direnni was getting to but not implicitly saying. Party leaders represent a number of nations along with their party’s ideology. Senator Direnni is right Senator Khanabul; an alliance of left-leaning nations should be formed to ensured an equal balance between all ideologies.”

“I think a good compromise would be to devalue the votes of party leaders to two. I also think, another thing Senator Direnni pointed out, is that we needed better cooperation on better bills. Perhaps we can create a committee full of party leaders that write bills before they get on the floor? Perhaps we discuss the bill first, then talk anout changes and amendments, then finally debate on the last version and vote?” He excussed himself and took a long sip of water for “dramatic effect.” “I did not know what is the right answer. But I do know that party leaders should have less influence in this Senate and that you, Senator Khanabul, perhaps with assistance from myself and others, should form a left-wing alliance and that we all should continue to work out the small kinks in this Senate. Thank you.”

[East Ares]

The Terrorism Abolishment Initiative

Overview: This bill would allow an IS nation to propose the invasion of a country, but only to stop a terrorist group directly related to that country. This bill is only to be enacted after a more diplomatic agreement has already been refused. The invasion itself would be carefully regulated, with the IS making sure no more harm is done than necessary. This is in response to SHADE attacks on East Ares, a group headquartered in Kardmiam. The Kardish leader has refused a diplomatic option, and we do not want to start warSection 1: This bill, the TAI, is attempting to limit foreign terrorist groups. It allows sufficient access to groups headquartered in countries that do not want a diplomatic option.
Section 2: The TAI can only be enacted if a diplomatic option has been attempted. This Diplomatic request will be presented to the International Senate during voting.
Section 3: The majority of the International Senate required to enact TAI is 2/3. All previous discussions with the nation housing the terrorist group will be presented.
Section 4: Once the vote has been passed, and a majority has been found, the International Senate will issue a notice proclaiming its decision. The nation housing the terrorist group is able to redecide its decision at this point, and any point forward.
Section 5: An small group of Ambassadors from countries that agree will be sent along with any military personnel that the nation invoking this bill sends. This is to make sure that all military operations are appropriate to the situation, and do not cause more harm then necessary. Other nations are permitted to send military personnel.
Section 6: At any point throughout this process, the nation that is subjected to the military operations is able to commit to stopping the terrorism. If they do is this, a 30-day period is created in which all military personnel must be removed. If the International Senate decides that the nation is not doing enough to stop the terrorist group, the TAI can be reenacted with a simple majority during the vote.
This bill is then honorably presented to the International Senate for consideration in order to stop foreign terrorism, to improve the global community, and is backed by Senator Howard Akara on 6-18-18

[Kowani]

Marco Aurelia had been listening to the bill quietly, before standing up.

“Very well then, Senator Akara. Here are my misgivings. Some could reasonably considered as bad faith, and some are much more legitimate.

If a nation does not want to work with you, and you want to avoid a war, calling down the IS on their heads is not much better, as you have effectively declared war by proxy. If these terrorists are entrenched at all, or if the country is sufficiently large, it would take more than 30 days. There is no clause detailing what should happen if the terrorist organization turns out to be state-backed, and that happens quite often.

Finally, and I believe this to be the most important part, Section 6 basically gives the IS an unlimited mandate to invade these countries. Say we go to Desert Nation A. We start out actually trying to clear out the terrorists. But that requires infrastructure of a military kind, so we have to build that. Now, due to most of us being more or less humane nations, the citizens affected by this conflict will have to be taken care of. That requires even more infrastructure. All of this will most likely take more than 30 days, so an extension is granted. Now, one could make the argument that in order to protect these civilians, either more troops are needed, or the host government will have to step in. But nobody negotiates with someone who came to their country against their will, claiming “national security”. So, more troops. We expand even more, allowing for this cycle to keep repeating itself until we effectively control enough of said country for Nation A’s leaders to declare war, and look reasonable while doing so.

I am aware that most of us here would probably oppose the TAI being used in such a manner, as it goes directly against our purpose here. However, all it takes is one bad apple, and we have a few dictatorships.

[Agarntrop]

Senator Khanabul took a long and hard think reading through the bill several times. Until he paused and stood to speak.

"I am afraid I cannot accept the Terrorism Abolishment Initiative due to the vagueness of 'millitary operations' which could be exploited."

He pauses and makes eye contact with the speaker.

" 'Millitary Operations' is not defined or limited, this means that many nations could use the vagueness and unlimitedness of the term 'millitary operations' to launch invasions of their enemies where the house was intending only a few air strikes when the TAI was passed."

He then makes eye contact with the speaker again and pauses.

"Therefore, until this vagueness and unlimitedness is solved, I will either abstain or vote nay to this bill."

He then sits down with a neutral expression.

[Allyrije]

Senator Direnni began to write down her problems with the bill before taking to the speaking podium, "Senators, this bill is unacceptable and I don't believe it will ever be so. Whilst I find it difficult to see a situation in which anyone here would argue for the proliferation of terrorism, the nature of the bill will only serve to increase violence and terror. What this bill proposes to institute is near-unlimited military intervention in foreign nations which, regardless of context, amounts to nothing else other than bullying on a multinational scale. The lack of a definition of what constitutes as 'Military operations' is also concerning to myself for I do not wish to see war crimes committed against those who are potentially innocent for it would be a grievous sin."

"In addition, I simply will rarely agree with military intervention in other nations. Each nation should be able to decide its policies without interference from others and that is a principle I will defend until the end of my days. If you wish to invade another land to rid yourselves of the problem of a terror group then do so but do not try and coax the other members of this house into joining you through a sneaky, warmongering bill. Thank you Mr. Speaker."

[Gaine Moon]

The newly-appointed Senator Timothy Harper stood up. Since this was his first speech in this venerable body, he was understandably nervous. However, he did his best not to show it. After only a couple of minutes in the Senate, the last thing he wanted was to be seen as weak. Reading from his paper, he spoke.

"My fellow senators, I have no choice but to oppose this bill. As Senator Direnni pointed out, this bill is a thinly-veiled attempt to turn the International Senate into a weapon of war. Though we concede that sometimes war is inevitable, I believe it is wrong for the International Senate to take part in a war waged by any of its member states. That is all I have to say. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."

[Nepenisea]

Senator Warren stands.

Well, this is a decent bill, I'll give you that. I do think that since terrorism is so difficult to combat it might be good to have allies. One point however: Shouldn't they just handle it themselves? If we invade Kardmiam, we create an enemy. I know my politics, and I think the best thing to do is let SHADE die out. Keep them out of the IS nations, and let them fight elsewhere. I would like to see the TAI again for domestic terrorism, and keeping terrorists out. I will have to abstain.

He sits and glances around.

[New Giliberafta]

“I believe that this bill has large ramifications if passed,” Rodriguez, almost shouting, stood from his chair with no hesitation. “If this bill gets passed, the future of the International Senate could go down two paths. One path is that the IS can become a military arm for a political party, ethnic faction or for whomever. This path will lead to more destruction, terror, and mayhem that this bill wishes to prevent. The second path, which is the more preferable path, is that the IS becoms an organization dedicated to fighting terrorism and protecting the lives of innocent people.”

Senator Rodriguez looked directly at Senator Akara. “Senator Akara, this bill is a noble attempt. However, as almost everyone else pointed out, there is too much ambiguity in the word ‘military operations.’ Could this mean occupation? Or military invasion? Of course, it shouldn’t. But the vagueness leaves room for interpretation.”

“I would support this bill if the phrase ‘military operation’ is made more specific, if section 6 requires a 2/3s majority rather than a simple majority to reenact the TAI, and if my fear for an upright abuse of this bill is somehow able to be set aside. Thank you all.”

[West Phoenicia]

Viscountess Bosniaa rose and bowed slightly to the other senators in the room.

"Terrorism is a blight on many nations in the world. It is like a disease that needs to be eradicated. Terrorists and their supporters need to be either killed or imprisoned. Funds from terrorist supporting nations need to be frozen and we need to get to the root cause as to why people would resort to terrorism as a measure of getting what they need. They need to be educated or re-educated into proper diplomatic actions. Only than will terrorism be stamped out. Until than, its growing across our globe and we are limited to act.

Military invention when asked by a nation is the right thing to do. A noble gesture to assist lovers of peace. However i fear the  Terrorism Abolishment Initiative would impose greatly on a nations sovereignty. One nations terrorists are another nations freedom fighters. A prime example is a group like Antifa. They are terrorists, but yet the left call them heroes. Etc etc.

Section 5 is also a concern, who decides what level of military operations are deemed suitable? During World War 2 it was deemed suitable to drop atomic bombs on a nation that refused to surrender.
And do not cause more harm than good? Isnt any military intervention stressing to innocent civillians? West Phoenicia itself suffered bombing campaigns during numerous wars where we were fighting for our sovereignty. The enemy would label us terrorists for merely defending our nation. As other senators have voiced, the bill is good but the wording needs to be changed. I would strongly support an anti-terrorist bill but for this one to pass it needs a lot of cleaning up. Terrorism needs to be stamped out but not at the sake of sovereignty.

I thank everyone for their patience in listening to my view.

[Eastern Fianoglach]

Senator Caulfeld took to his feet:

"I am afraid that I must abstain from this bill, given the current civil unrest within my country. It would be hypocritical for my state to endorse such moves when we may be subject to these measures ourselves."

[East Ares]

Senator Howard Akara rises:

" I am sorry the wording of this bill does not appease our collective interests, and am very willing to reword the bill. Thank you all for your show of support in stopping terrorism, even if it is not through the TAI."

[The United Conservative Provinces]

Jacob Haas sat back in his seat in the front of the chamber not sure what was going on. He had not started the next session nor had he asked for a new bill to be presented. Being a very laid back person, he let most of the discussion continue without interrupting. Once he had felt that most of the senators had given their input and debated the bill he finally rose from his seat, "Thank you Senator Akara for proposing this bill, but at the time you had proposed it, it was inbetween sessions. I will let this mistake pass, but please, in the future allow me to open up a session and ask for bills to be proposed." He took a deep breathe and exhaled. "On another note you may still make changes to your bill if you choose to. This is only the debate and question period. I would now like to begin the voting process. Senator Akara, now please present the final draft of your 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.

[Techganet]

As Senator Hikn and his aides find their seats, he opens up his suitcase full of paperwork and starts looking at them.
He then turns his head to the discussion being held and stops his work to listen intently.
Not long after, he is presented with the current bill being proposed. He takes one and half minutes to finally finish reading the proposed bill.

After the current speaker finished, he rises and his aides prepare to take notes.
"The provisions stated in this bill are a bit vague. As Senator Khanabul said, the vagueness of the term 'military operations' could be exploited so as to give operating parties unlimited permission to launch attacks or invasions in foreign countries even if the intention is to eradicate terrorist groups. Although I believe that this is in good faith, we can never be certain that we will not be causing unintended casualties. That is bound to happen. Until this bill is revised with the vagueness eliminated, we will have to vote Nay. Thank you Mr Speaker."

He sits back down and continues his work.

[Agarntrop]

Senator Khanabul reads through the bill and waits for a new version before announcing his vote. Senator Hikn makes his speech and Senator Khanabul concludes with his aides that Senator Akara is not likely to make a new version anytime soon considering the long wait so they decide Khanabul must make his decision now.

"Senators, this bill has good intentions and would be adequate at preventing terrorism. However, this bill is vague and short and could be exploited if passed. Therefore I have decided to abstain."

[Brendislav]

Oliver Cohn looks over the bill, he slowly reaches over and grabs his glass of water. After a long sip, he straightens out his suit, and stands up.

"While it is in the interest of the USS Brendislav to end all terrorist activities, both abroad and in our nation. Terrorism is a bane to the very ideals and constitutional foundations to our nation. We do not wish to see our people suffer in the hands of psychotic criminals. However, this bill could invite outside military forces that could compromise us. We believe that all military operations performed in Brendislav should be performed by the Brendislav Defense Force. If we are to openly invite this task force, how are we to trust them to not compromise our sovereignty. It is because of this that I must say Nay to this proposed bill.

Senator Cohn sits back down, and hand his copy of the bill to an aide. He then crosses his legs, puts his hands in his lap, and watches the senate proceed.

[West Phoenicia]

Mr Anton Springvale the second senator from West Phoenicia rises from his seat.

As a Pro-Peace Senator I wish to firstly concur with the thoughts of the other senators that this bill while important as no one agrees with terrorism, just does not have the right wording to ease our worries that such a bill and law could possibly be abused. I feel greater talks and greater diplomacy needs to be worn our first with terrorists before any sort of military intervention. And then it should be laid at the feet of the nation to deal with first before other nations get involved. Unless it also impacts other nations. And than the said nation should petition the International Senate for a review.
And only than should peacekeepers be sent in to assist under the guidance of the nation's government.

We will be abstaining from this vote.