HB 19-46: Now We're Really Screwing Around with Borders Act (Passed)

[fhtagn]

I'd like to hear from the GM team as well as the Secretary of State on this before we continue with this. The bill as written has the potential to destroy relations with existing allies, as well as increase tensions with nations we have previously been at war with. I get the feeling that they weren't consulted prior to this bill being submitted.

[Dr. MB]

I'd like to hear from the GM team as well as the Secretary of State on this before we continue with this. The bill as written has the potential to destroy relations with existing allies, as well as increase tensions with nations we have previously been at war with. I get the feeling that they weren't consulted prior to this bill being submitted.

Correct.

[Poirot]

I would be afraid if we recognize all these territorities that countries not happy with us start to recognize Alaska or New Jersey as independent state.

[Dr. MB]

I'd be open to amendments if someone wants to introduce them.

[fhtagn]

I'll try to get a PM sent to the GM team as well as the Sec. of State whenever I'm off work and not using my phone to Atlas. It'd be irresponsible to go forward without their input.

[RC (a la Frémont)]

I would also appreciate it if the Secretary of State weighed in on this. Some of them concern me in the sense that they could compromise foreign relations with other countries. Analysis would be nice from the foreign policy community.

[Don Vito Corleone]

Firstly, I would like to thank Representative fhtagn for bringing my attention to this bill. As for my thoughts on the contents of this bill:

I understand that a lot of this bill isn't meant to be taken at face value (such as the entirety of section II), but even then there are a lot of issues in this bill. To name the biggest issue, recognizing the Republic of China as a sovereign state would completely screw up any chance at normalizing relations with the People's Republic of China, which is something the past 2 administrations have been pushing to do (certainly it is something I have pursued as Secretary of State). Also, (and this is where the meme element of this bill comes into play) quite a lot of this bill just doesn't carry many benefit for Atlasia, like all the recognition of various micro-states, or is actively harmful (such as the recognition of the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus). Frankly, come to think of it, I can't think of a single part of this bill which would benefit Atlasia.

And on top of that, I understand Atlasia is a game and the point is to have fun, but I'm just not a fan of meme bills (especially not when it comes to Foreign Policy).

[YE]

Given the SOS input, I intend to vote this down.

[fhtagn]

Thank you Secretary bruhg for your input.

[Dr. MB]

So it looks like it won't pass in its current form. I'll introduce an amendment:

Now We're Really Screwing Around with Borders Act

HOUSE BILL

Be it enacted by the House of Representatives and the Senate of the Republic of Atlasia in Congress assembled,

SECTION I: RECOGNIZING SOVEREIGN NATIONS

[/s]
1. The independence of the Republic of Molossia from the Republic of Atlasia and Commonwealth of Fremont is hereby recognized.
2. The Republic of Atlasia recognizes the sovereignty of the German Democratic Republic over Ernst Thälmann Island.
3. The Republic of Atlasia hereby recognizes the independence of the following sovereign nations:
a) The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, also known as Western Sahara
b) The Republic of China, also known as Taiwan
c) The Republic of South Ossetia
d) The Republic of Abkhazia
e) The Republic of Artsakh
f) The Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, also known as Transnistria
g) The Republic of Somaliland
f) The State of Palestine
g) The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
h) The Principality of Sealand

SECTION II: TERRITORIAL CLAIMS

1. The Republic of Atlasia hereby claims jurisdiction over all currently unclaimed territories of Antarctica, commonly known as Marie Byrd Land.
2. Seeing as no country claims the territory known as Bir Tawil, located between Egypt and Sudan, the Republic of Atlasia hereby asserts its jurisdiction over it.
3. These territories shall be administered by the Subdepartment of the Interior of the Department of Internal Affairs.

[YE]

24 hours to object.

[Former President tack50]

Worth noting that the point where Atlasia makes claims to Marie Byrd land would be a breach of the Antarctic Treaty. Atlasia has reserved the right to make claims, but it has not done so. Making one would be a breach of the treaty technically, even if Atlasia has always reserved that right.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antarctic_Treaty_System

[Mr. Reactionary]

Worth noting that the point where Atlasia makes claims to Marie Byrd land would be a breach of the Antarctic Treaty. Atlasia has reserved the right to make claims, but it has not done so. Making one would be a breach of the treaty technically, even if Atlasia has always reserved that right.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antarctic_Treaty_System

That means Atlasia could hypothetically annex ALL of Antarctica too ...

[Dr. MB]

Since the amendment passed I'll motion for a final vote.

[YE]

Amendment adopted.

24 hours to object to a vote.

[YE]

A final vote is now open.

[YE]

Current text:

Now We're Really Screwing Around with Borders Act

HOUSE BILL

Be it enacted by the House of Representatives and the Senate of the Republic of Atlasia in Congress assembled,

SECTION I: ]TERRITORIAL CLAIMS

1. The Republic of Atlasia hereby claims jurisdiction over all currently unclaimed territories of Antarctica, commonly known as Marie Byrd Land.
2. Seeing as no country claims the territory known as Bir Tawil, located between Egypt and Sudan, the Republic of Atlasia hereby asserts its jurisdiction over it.
3. These territories shall be administered by the Subdepartment of the Interior of the Department of Internal Affairs.

[Dr. MB]

Aye

[At-Large Senator LouisvilleThunder]

Aye

[Attorney General, Senator-Elect, & Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

Aye

[YE]

Aye

[fhtagn]

Nay.

[P. Clodius Pulcher did nothing wrong]

Nay

[Poirot]

aye

[YE]

Passes 5-2, will certify when I get home (not sure exactly when that will be).