Confirmation Hearing: Mike Naso (Vice President)

[Јas]

The fact of the matter is, I don't want to get into the "sixth slot" hypothetical discussions on the issues of presiding over the Senate.

As a point which goes towards one's ability to properly and effectively carry out the duties of the office, I believe that this issue is pertinent and warrants an answer, and so would request that the nominee answer the question.

I feel that it is in the countries best interest to have a swift vote for confirmation to get things moving.

Why?

[Јas]

If confirmed, how would you vote on the current tie on the final passage of the Immigration Reform Bill?  What are your favorite and least favorite parts of the bill?

Does the honorable Senator wish to risk turning this nomination into primarily a surrogate vote for the 5-5 tied bill?

It's possible that this vote may be the only matter of any significance which would come before the next Vice President, in which case, it's probably a reasonable question to ask.

[Јas]

Or that vote of no-confidence, because some people asked questions to a nominee who was perfectly willing to answer them?  Get over it.

Interestingly, a petition for a vote of no confidence must be presented to the President of the Senate (VP), and given that office is vacant, I do not know how a vote could be called since the Dean is only empowered to act with the powers and perogatives of the PPT if he is called upon to run the Senate.

Yes, I'd agree with this. The OSPR states quite clearly:
"In the event that the President of the Senate should be exercising responsibility as Acting President of the Republic of Atlasia under the Constitution, then the powers given by this Resolution to the President of the Senate shall instead be exercised by the Dean of the Senate."

Other than that the Dean can only act in cases where the PPT is inactive, which is clearly not the case currently.

[Јas]

Nay

I agree entirely with Senator Wixted's statement above on the nominee.

[Јas]

Now, its 5-2. Looks like Ernest will be the deciding vote.

I wonder what happens in the event of a 5-5 tie on whether or not to confirm the Vice President who would in any other circumstances be the tie breaker.

Article 2, Section 3, Clause 2 of the Constitution:
"If there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President, the President shall nominate a Vice President, who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of the Senate."