Region Redrawing Act

[JohnFKennedy]

This is actually a Constitutional Amendment, not an Act . The map seems satisfactory to me, let us see what others have to say.

[JohnFKennedy]

JFK, I disagree that this is a constitutional amendment.  Actually, Harry's act is proposed to conform with the constitution as it currently stands:

There are five Regions with ten states per Region. One region must include the District of Columbia. All Regions must be contiguous.  Each region must have a name that will either be decided by the members from the region or the Senate itself.  

The Regions of the United States for the Atlas Forum:

TO BE DETERMINED OFFICIALLY AFTER THE SENATE IS IN PLACE. THE REGIONS THAT PEOPLE DECIDED ON BY PUBLIC VOTE WILL BE USED UNTIL SUCH TIME.

I was under the impression that the current map was listed in the Constitution itself, possibly not any more but I am sure it was at one point (same with districts map).

[JohnFKennedy]

I was under the impression that the current map was listed in the Constitution itself, possibly not any more but I am sure it was at one point (same with districts map).

Forgive me for intruding; the regional map in effect is as in post #1 of https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?board=13;action=display;threadid=5715
Presumably it's the one approved by the public to serve as a temporary one until the Senate convened, as specified in Ammendment IV Section 2.
Further in that thread is an explanation of why that temporary map is unconstitutional now that the Senate is an established body.  The Senate was given the authority and the obligation by the constitution to adopt a map as Secretary Fritz specified, which thus far it hasn't done.  The Senate and President passing such a map won't require a supermajority or popular approval.  This bill is to comply with that constitutional mandate, not ammend it.

I thank the Senate panel for its indulgence.

Interesting, the maps were actually originally in the Constitution, I remember that clearly, seems Dan tweaked it at one point during the discussions way back when. Ok then, this is not a constitutional amendment.

[JohnFKennedy]

I move to table debating so we can get this voted upon quickly, this is in accordance with the Senatorial Procedure Resolution. This motion needs the support of four other Senators to pass.

[JohnFKennedy]

Both the actual map and the "10-states rule" are in the Constitution.   I think if there are contradictions in the constitution, the Supreme Court has to settle it.  Or the Senate could resolve it via constitutional amendment.  But you can't just pass a regular bill to solve constitutional issues.

There is no contradicition in the Constitution; it provides for a publically approved map to serve Until the Senate convened, at which time they were burdened with the duty of making ten-state regions "officially."  A simple bill will suffice, just as the simple legislation satisfies the requirements of conducting the periodic Census in the US Constitution.

There WAS a contradiction in the Constitution, it was removed before it was passed.

Originally both the text and our current map were in the constitution but Dan changed it for the final draft.



Due to the necessary urgence of this Act's passage, I am willing to forego procedure laid out by the Senatorial Procedure Resolution and call a vote upon this Act now.

All in favour of the Region Redrawing Act as proposed by Harry say Yea, all opposed say Nay.

[JohnFKennedy]

Yea.

[JohnFKennedy]

This has indeed passed the Senate by five votes in favour with one abstention. If another Senator votes in favour it is veto proof but I await another vote or the President's signature, whichever comes first.