94
To Lay on the Table.
§ 95
(when unqualified). To lay on the table. To take from the table. Orders of the day (except one at a time), and questions as to priority of business.
95. While the motion to lay on the table is a subsidiary motion, a motion to take from the table is practically a motion to renew a question (38), and since it is a principal motion possessing no privilege, it cannot be acted upon when another question is under consideration. The form is, “I move the question be laid on the table.”[1] This motion take precedence of all other motions except privileged motions (80), and to suspend the rules (130). It cannot
- ↑ Note.—Speakers opposed to a question frequently obtain the floor for the purpose of opposing the proposition and after speaking in opposition to it close their speech with a motion to “lay on the table.” This, while not strictly out of order, is a very unparliamentary proceeding, since the speaker has got his argument in and those opposed to him have no opportunity to say a word; therefore, in such cases, fair play would seem to justify the chair in refusing to entertain the motion until those opposed have had at least the same opportunity to be heard.
