under debate. It is not, however, necessary for the member objecting to the words to retire, unless he is personally involved in the case. If any business has taken place since the member spoke, it is too late to take notice of any disorderly words he used.
During debate, and while the Chairman is speaking, or the assembly is engaged in voting, no member is permitted to disturb the assembly by whispering, or walking across the floor, or in any other way.
37. Closing Debate. Debate upon a question is not closed by the Chairman rising to put the question, as, until both the affirmative and negative are put, a member can claim the floor, and reopen debate [see § 38]. Debate can be closed by the following motions,[1] which are undebatable [§ 35], and, except to Lie on the Table, shall require a two-thirds[2] vote for their adoption [§ 39]:
- ↑ It will be noticed that the first two of these motions only close debate by virtue of their suppressing the question itself. The circumstances under which each of these motions to suppress debate and to suppress the question should be used, are explained in §§ 58, 59.
- ↑ In Congress, where each speaker can occupy the floor one hour, any of these motions to cut off debate can be adopted by a mere majority. In ordinary societies harmony is so essential that a two-thirds vote should be required to force the assembly to a final vote without allowing free debate [see note to § 39].
