8th Senate Week in Review | 8/8 - 8/15
Written by Sincluda
Edited by Vor
Edited by Vor
Introduction
As the 95th Senate progresses through the back half of its term, some topics meet conclusions, while others still face lively debate. This edition of Senate Week in Review, covering August 8 through August 15, will discuss the 5 discussions and 2 nominations that saw activity, including the passing of a bill.
PAC Senate Contributions Act (2024)
The PAC Senate Contributions Act, proposed by former Senator Gem at the beginning of the 95th Senate, was passed 4-1. Despite Senator Calvin Coolidge's apprehensions toward the bill's intent, little more discussion was seen this week and all other Senators voted aye. The bill received a positive Legislative Assessment from the Attorney General's office, and was signed into law by President UPC. This new law extends the permission to speak on the Senate floor to the People's Assembly Chair.
Empowering the Speakership Amendment (ESA) (2024)
The ESA saw lively debate last week, and Senator Cordova I posted the second draft of the bill Friday, August 9. Before that draft was posted, Senators Eldorin, Sopo, and Calvin Coolidge offered ideas for restructuring. Senator Eldorin was more critical of the bill itself, questioning the procedural benefits it would bring and its potential to complicate compromise. This concern was addressed by lowering the threshold to override the Speaker from two-thirds to a simple majority. Senators Sopo and Calvin Coolidge discussed popular Speaker elections, suggesting a separate thread for Speaker elections and that Speaker candidates could not run for half-terms. These were incorporated in the second draft of the bill, which did not receive comment for the rest of the week.
A full article on the ESA has been released by the EBC (author Evelyn) for further coverage.
Abolishment of the Circuit Court (Discussion)
Senators Eldorin and Rand suggested alternative solutions that would keep the Circuit Court around, but increase High Court involvement. Senator Eldorin suggested having the High Court take criminal trials and judicial reviews by default, but be able to pass them down to the Circuit Court if desired. Senator Rand proposed allowing the High Court to choose to review any case it wishes. Senator Sopo said he was "amenable" to either of these ideas, but preferred Senator Calvin Coolidge's initial plan to abolish the Circuit Court. Senator Calvin Coolidge himself said he preferred Senator Eldorin's proposal to Senator Rand's.
Unrestricted Branch Leadership Act (2024)
The proposal to undo restrictions on positions held by branch leaders, introduced by Senator Calvin Coolidge in his by-election campaign, was ultimately tabled on Saturday, August 10. The concurrent proposal to empower the Speaker emboldened concerns over the balancing and separation of power. This prompted Senators to prefer to wait until the conclusion of the ESA discussion, including Senator Calvin Coolidge, who motioned to table the bill. The proposal now awaits the outcome of the ESA discussion.
People's Assembly Referenda Act (2024)
8 days after Senator Sopo withdrew this proposal, Speaker Rand motioned to table as there is no withdrawal protocol in the Senate. This was seconded by Senator Calvin Coolidge. The proposal seems to have been forgotten again, however, as it has still not been formally tabled.
Nomination for Associate Justice - JayDee
President UPC renominated 1st Chair JayDee to the bench on Monday, August 12, who was confirmed 4-0-1. He faced questions from Senators Calvin Coolidge, Rand, and Cordova I regarding the Circuit Court/Bar Association, his legal experience, and availability. JayDee provided brief answers that seemed to satisfy the Senators.
Nomination for IRC Representative - Maowi
President UPC nominated Maowi to their second term as IRC reprentative Tuesday, August 13. The President acknowledged their administration's plans for the IRC were low priority and yet to be actualized. Maowi acknowledged the inactivity of the IRC, describing it as "dormant," and how the position would only require attention if plans for projects were to be pursued.
Conclusion
More and more matters meet their conclusion as the 95th Senate move towards its end, but some remain lively as ever. The progression of these discussions will be tracked in the next edition of Senate Week in Review, and will shape the General Election that draws ever-closer. Thank you for reading, and we hope to see you next week.