Senate Vote: Commercial and Trade Defense Act

[Fyremage]

@Bauren @Officiant, @Prudence , @SirNoodles , @Andrewza, @Flying Dutchman, @Liam, @Raydo, @Proleptic, @Outlander


Yet again, the Senate Rotunda brimmed with activity as the vote was called to session for the impending commerce and trade act. Unlike previous Senate Votes, Gregory sat in his chair prior to the session being called to order. He sat at his booth, reviewing the notes of the bill in its current form. So many Senators had massive opinions regarding it, and he could only hope for the sake of the sponsors that whatever changes they saw fit to bring about would sway those on the fence.

It was of little consequence to Gregory when it was all said and done, aside from his general interest in empowering the Grand Army of the Republic in any way he could to face the Sith threat. Hopefully those within the Rotunda today would see the need for that in this day and age.

Without further delay, the speaker stamped his mighty staff, and called the Senate to order. Thereafter, Gregory rose and approached the Dais, clearing his throat before formally beginning the Session. "Today's session has now begun, with the vote for the Commercial and Trade Defense Act pending decision. The Chair now recognizes Senator Hummux Det of Falleen to relate the bill in it's entirety, along with any changes made thereof since the hearing. Thereafter, he may make an opening argument for the bill, and cast his vote. The Co sponsor shall make his opening statement and cast his vote as well, then the chair will in turn recognize each Senator to make their statements and cast their votes."

After a brief pause, he turned to Senator Det, and gave him a nod to proceed.

@Liam

 

[Liam]

Hummux approached the center of the rotunda and returned the nod to Rhone. “Thank you, Chancellor.” he stated, taking a brief moment to shuffle his papers quietly. “Senators, the past few days have seen some very important discussion over the Commerce and Trade Defense Act. Allow me to first extend my appreciation towards every Senator who has participated in these discussions, whether in support of the bill or in opposition to it. It pleases me to be in a Senate which consists of such passionate individuals." Hummux lightly cleared his throat as he moved to his next line of thought. "Onward, while some of you had brought up your concerns with certain things in the piece of legislation, I do believe that Senator Dei and myself have addressed these issues fully, either through our words or through the actual legislation itself.” Hummux said, hinting at the changes that had been made to the bill recently in order to ease some of the concerns that had arisen from a few of the representatives. “With that being said, allow me to read off the final draft of the bill, as well as say a few quick words, before I cast my vote.” Hummux glanced down at his papers for a quick moment, and then began reading the bill in its entirety.

Spoiler: Commercial and Trade Defense Act

Commercial and Trade Defense Act
The Intent of this Act is to utilize a series of defensive trade routes in order to generate income for the Republic in an act of aggression from outside attack. To this end, the intent of this bill extends to the expanding of manufacturing capabilities of Republic worlds with adequate infrastructure through a mutualistic relationship with the so-called "Border Alliance".

The intent of this act is not to implement legislation that would potentially harm member worlds of the Republic, as well as shift the balance of production power to the hands of a few planets that would endanger the greater economy. Instead the aim of this bill is to give planets incentives to participate in a healthy trade cooperation with the Border Alliance.

The specific implementations of this act are as follows. If voted into law, the following measures will immediately be enacted:

Article 1.
Section 1. The Armed Forces of the Republic shall hereby establish controlled, prioritized and channels in the Hydian Way, the Corellian Run and Permelian Trade Route. In these priority lanes, ships with given clearance to travel are given priority over other ships in the trade route. In the act of pirate attack, extortion or any act of aggression against ships in the route, the defending ships present are given clearance to deal with these threats as seen fit, within the extent of Republic jurisdiction.

Section 2. The personnel involved with this bill shall be drafted from existing forces present in the proximity of these hyperlanes. Priority shall be given to military personnel on leave or recovering from injury over active units.

Article 2.
Section 1. Command over the customs control, human trafficking, smuggling, or any other illegal activity within these priority lanes lies with the allocated defence personnel. To this end, authorisation for the establishment of customs offices and checkpoints lies within the Committee of Commerce and Trade, subject to approval by the office of the Supreme Chancellor.

Section 2. Infringement of Republic law is to be held accountable by authorised juridical personnel only. Failing to comply to juridical law will result in immediate trial by Republic Court. In the event of business fraud, exploitation or illegal monopolization of goods, the Republic Supreme Court holds authority to run investigation into concerning corporation.

Section 3. A special board shall be formed to inspect potential priority lanes, to be named by the Committee of Commerce and Trade and approved by the Supreme Chancellor. This board shall comprise of both members of the Senate and the Border Alliance.

Article 3.

Section 1. The Republic shall give access to this priority lanes to any corporation or government with adequate production means and infrastructure. Prioritisation of companies shall be discussed by the authorised office, the Committee of Commerce and Trade. In exchange for services rendered, the participating corporations are subject to a small tariff to be paid directly to the Committee.

Section 2. This Bill shall establish a special court which shall preside over the admission and denial of corporations through territory involved with this bill.This court is subject to the jurisdiction of the Committee of Commerce and Trade.

Article 4. The Border Alliance shall be granted a special position within the Committee of Commerce and Trade, to be named " Special Envoy for the Defence of Trade Routes to the Border Alliance", unofficially " Special Envoy". The appointment of this position is exclusive to Senators from within the Border Alliance. The authorities of this person shall be equal to those of the Committee of Commerce and Trade, with the special authorities of approving and rejection of shipments and goods.

Article 5. The Committee of Foreign and Domestic Defence holds supreme authority over the budgeting of personnel and equipment, including maintenance, involved with the process of this Act. Any alterations to this budget are subject to approval by the Supreme Chancellor.

Article 6. In the event of open warfare, the Committee and Border Alliance shall grant authority for the shipment of military equipment and personnel to be given priority in pre-established priority lanes. Military movements are free from supervision by customs control within these priority lanes. Controlover Customs and Anti-corruption duties lies with the Grand Army of the Republic.

Appendix 1: Legislators Involved
First Draft created by Senator Hummux Det of Falleen, Sitting Senator on the Commitee of Commerce and Trade
Alterations by Senator Doghus A. Dei of Balmorra, Chairman of the Commitee of Commerce and Trade
Final draft approved by Senator Doghus A. Dei

Appendix 2: Known Planets Involved
Disclaimer: This list is by no means complete, subsequent listings will be granted upon request to the Sponsor or Co-Sponsor.

Falleen
Balmorra
Corellia
Chandrila
Coruscant
Duro
Cato Neimodia
Mandalore
Bandomeer
Kuat

Hummux was quiet for a moment, in order to both catch his breath and to allow the words he had just recited to sink in. After only a few seconds, he began again.
“Senators, this legislation is necessary to the well-being of the Republic in more than a few ways. On a purely fiscal level, the Republic benefits from being allowed to generate income from the new tariff that will be introduced. It also allows companies within Republic worlds to expand their influence as well as their consumer base, therefore helping them grow. The bill assists in the growth of a mutualistic relationship between the core Republic worlds and the worlds found on the border of the Republic’s control. One cannot deny the fact that tensions between the Border Alliance and the rest of the Republic, especially the Senate, have run hot in times previous. This bill will allow us to come together as a unified front and work towards progressing the Republic’s interests altogether.”

“Because of these main reasons, along with the many others that I have not mentioned due simply to time restraints, I see no reason as to not vote in favor of this bill. Falleen votes YES in order to bring about a new period of unification and cooperation to the Republic and the worlds it is comprised. I now welcome Senator Doghus Dei of Balmorra, who has worked closely with me in order to craft the bill you see in front of you. Senator Dei, the floor is yours.”

 

[Doghus Dei]

Doghus Dei, Senator of Balmorra, looked diligently around the Senate Dome as the Chancellor opened the debate. Hearing his own name, Doghus made a short bow, before the attention turned to Senator Hummux. Doghus smiled as he heard Hummux's passionate speech, knowing that he had worked as hard as Doghus had. As Hummux finished, the attention turned to him, as co-sponsor, to make his opening statement.

Doghus walked forward, spread his arms, and spoke: " My fellow Senators, we stand before you today to present a piece of law that will benefit the Republic not only on the fronts of trade and relationship, but also as a part of legislation to create a continuous defence against the Sith threat." He knew the mention of the Sith would startle some Senators, but nevertheless, they proved to be a useful leverage for the legality of this bill.

Doghus continued: " While some of you do not wish to acknowledge the fact that the Sith have returned, and that much of the Sith threat is unknown, the people on the border certainly know of it. This bill will stand as an example for the continuation of the defence against the Sith. Only united, with this bill as it's pedestal, shall we as a galactic power, remain." Doghus had noticed that his voice had become expressively louder, so he cleared his throat and tempered his volume.

Doghus came back forward, nodding first to Det, and then looking directly to Chancellor Rhone, before finishing: " In light of these events, to ameliorate the bond between the Senate and the Border Alliance, and to expand the peacekeeping force that this Republic holds, Balmorra votes YES in favour of this bill. That is all, Long live the Republic!" And Doghus backed down, returning to his seat, in order for the other Senators to speak.

 

[Outlander]

It didn't take more than a moment for Senator Khoen to scan he revised document. Each senator had been sent a copy in advance, of course. It was standard procedure for any altered bills or significant documents preceding a vote or hearing. It was disappointing to see her concerns go unaddressed. The bill was still flawed in several key areas. And yet the Balmorran Senator framed the whole piece of legislature as some common sense piece against the Sith threat.

"Senators." She said, rising from her seat, voice cool and crystal clear through the cavernous chamber. "The Sith are very much a threat to us, our Republic, and our very basic freedoms. But this bill, an act of trade legislature with critical flaws and tangential ties to the Border Alliance is not some 'shining' bill to build a lasting foundation for the preservation of the Republic around, and the fact the Sith are being used in name here to attempt to force this through just acts to inflate their image as galactic boogeymen."

"While I would be more than happy to support a bill of this nature at a later date, I cannot in good conscience approve of this one. Corellia votes NO."

And with all she had to say said, the Senator returned to her seat and gazed across the collected individuals, now more curious than ever to see how the vote would fall.

 

[Oreus]

Although she would never admit it, Kay'lora had not given the revisions a scrutinizing read. A quick glance showed that it was mostly the same thing as before. Hapes was always in favor of giving the military more power. Whether or not the bill had potential flaws did not matter to her. If the Sith menace could be used an excuse to push her own agenda on the entire Republic, so be it. Selfishness powered her vote on this bill even as she would mask it as looking out to help the entire Republic. Only one thing mattered to her in the end: the Cluster. When the Corellian Senator finally sat down she gracefully made her approach to speak.

"Hapes votes YES," she said, glancing to the Corellian Senator. "We at least understand the current need and benefits for future generations."

 

[Laurentia te Lors]

Others. The Senator's smile cracked and turned at the edge of her lips, the elasticity of her muscles breaking the rigid cameo of her resting face. The Queen Mother was clever, in her own self-satisfying, self-aggrandizing way. But else was to be expect of a woman of her... ostentatious bearing? Pirates might have traded leather for silk but they still bedecked themselves with jewels and a sense of bravado that comes with commonality rising above its natural place.

The rest of the Senator's body broke from its relaxed yet rigid, refined yet irreverent pose as her legs uncrossed, her back arched and her legs pushed, carrying her to the front of the Thyferran podium to address the animals in the crowd. Her hand kept moving to whatever tune she was orchestrating, composing right until she reached the console, timed perfectly with final advance to rest in the center of consideration.

"And the Duopoly of Thyferra," Her voiced boomed, her accent commanding, drawing. "Knowing better than most how the future of civilization is affected by..." her wild, unnerving smile split across her face as her voice levelled, as if she was about to deliver a punchline. "irresponsible, trade policies..." She drew no one's attention in particular but her eyes met the Chancellor's. "...votes No." She said with another lash of her smile, retreating back the way she came across the podium floor, her every advancement replicated in reverse as she returned to her seat and returned to a position unchanged from the one she had interrupted.

Her smile continued as she nodded to her various colleagues from the worlds of the Rimma, and those others who approved of her actions, before finally arriving at the Hapan Senator's field of view. Pausing for a moment, she continued to smile before nodding her head in acknowledgement, her hand continuing to pull strands of silent notes and sounds together so that only she could hear. What the nature of that composition was, was anyone's guess, but with only the sounds being the clamors of the Senate, it had to be wondered if she was somehow orchestrating what was around her, delighting in whatever pleasure this debate gave her, if that was even the cause at all.

 

[DancingFox]

The new representative from the Border Alliance world of Celanon pondered and deliberated while his fellow Senators spoke. He had already looked over the Bill, in fact, he had spent nearly the entire night in debate with the two Merchant Executives that accompanied him to the Senate. In short, the spirit of the proposal was fully supported, but the wording was unacceptable. Three fingers, tipped with claws, idly tapped against the polished surface of the panel in front of him as his frown deepened. It often took time for the representative of the Celanite Merchant Council to make his decisions, and this was no exception. 'mutualistic relationship with the so-called “Border Alliance.' 'healthy trade cooperation, with the Border Alliance.' 'both members of the senate, and the Border Alliance.' His expression tightened, jackal’s ears laying back against the ornate ceremonial headdress that served as a mark of his station.

He finally stood, hands clasped before him, partially concealed within the folds of his clothing to hide his nervous fidgeting. Last time he spoke before the Senate, his voice was not heeded, a small one among thousands, but, this time, he would be heard, and he would make his stance known. “Celanon will not, can not, stand for this Bill as it is worded. Every line in the construction of this legislature seems driven to ram home the divide between two factions within the Senate.” Cold fury rose in his voice as he continued speaking. ”We are not two entities, we are not Senate and Border Alliance. We are the /Republic/ unified. It is my understanding that the Chancellor has made us all well aware of this fact in the past, so why do you /specifically/ imply that we are two separate organizations throughout this entire proposal? The Merchant Council of Celanon votes No until this troubling wording is corrected.” Eyes the color of ice slowly scan the hundreds of faces spread out before, seeking affirmation of his position before he gathers his robes and settles into his seat.

 

[SirNoodles]

(OOC: Sorry for reposting. I didn't see something about the article and thought it's best that rather editing the post that I create a completely new one. The reason I am reposting is because I misread)

Falcon listens to the other statements everyone else has made. Right in the first hearing, Falcon had already made up his mind. It turns out that NO is winning so far... After the representative of Celanon, Falcon looks around to see that it is his turn to stand up and speak.
So he sits up formally from his typical, casual slouch in his chair and straightens his tie. After having straightened up his tie, he stands up and clears his throat.
"So I stated back in the senate hearing that my opinion was final and I can assure you that it is. So I've read through the new bill to see what I think and I can say it seems a lot better than the first draft I saw back at the senate hearing. But", adds, "The problem I have with this bill, which is completely no one except the Sith's fault, is that I feel as thought it is written in the wrong time. I'm sure others can agree with me that the Sith invasion is NUMBER 1 priority at this point in time. I acknowledge the fact", he faces Senator Dei, "of how you said this could help extinguish the Sith threat. I personally fail to see how. I believe the whole subject the bill revolves around isn't something we should be worrying about in these dark events." He then faces both sponsors of this bill before saying, " I truly respect the time and effort you both invested towards this bill but, forgive me for referring to another senator's statement - just like Senator Khoen, possibly could come to support this bill if it was done when we are not at a war that threatens each and every one of us. I know I am no expert on the subject of trading, which this bill does revolve around, but I am fully aware on the Galaxy's state - especially on the war. Once again I'd like to thank the sponsors of the bill for crafting this bill which certainly must have taken some dedicated work but that would be a NO from me."
In a manner of appreciation and partially respect, Falcon nods towards Senator Det & then Dei before he then sits back down his chair.

 

[Laurent Anderson]

Laurent looked around the room and grew more and more annoyed with the display of ignorance among his fellow senators. He had, too, torn the bill apart during the hearing. There were certainly flaws with it, and he had addressed them. Some of them had been explained, others, still, remained, and that was to be expected. This bill was written by was written by imperfect beings and, unfortunately, one of them was alien. Still though, he was able to recognize the need for strengthening the Republic, and he believed in the honesty of the two beings that had written it enough to not fear outright malicious corruption. He stood from his seat, dressed in a fine Coruscanti suit and a long flowing coat, and walked smoothly towards the podium from which they could address the Senate.

He glanced around, a slight frown on his face, at the senators around him as he approached. His aids followed quickly behind him, carrying datapads for him, but he needed none of them for this address,

"Fellow Senators, I must admit that I am profoundly disappointed in most of you, especially my fellows in the Core that are directly affected by this legislature. Of course there are flaws with this legislature, there are flaws with all legislature. The widely popular legitimization of the Border Alliance even carries its own flaws. But our Republic is so weakened from the hideous disease of indecision, and bickering. Our economy is more precarious than a glass vase resting on the edge of Five Hundred Republica, and our military is still limping along, attempting to get to its feet. That requires resources, credits, and manpower. This bill would provide that. I am proud of my colleague from Hapes, even though Hapes does not appear to be directly affected by this bill, the Consortium can recognize the need of its approval. However you, Senator Khoen, have the privilege of benefiting from this legislature, and you would turn it down? Coruscant does not make the same mistake. We know the Sith are no, boogeymen, but a real threat that is promising to tear down all that we have accomplished. Coruscant votes as all planets of the Republic should. Coruscant votes to rebuild our economy. Coruscant votes to strengthen our military. Coruscant votes YES. "

 

[Andrewza]

Maximus stood up and looked arround. It was clear that this bill would effect a great many people but Eshan was not one of those. It felt strange he would even have a vote so he took the opistion that Eshan wanted.

"This bill though larg and sweeping does not effect Eshan there for i choose to Abstain."

 

[Adeline Neproxi]

Adeline listened to the votes of the other, more seasoned senators with interest. Regardless of her very certain views on this bill thus far, she wanted to hear their opinions. This was, after all, her first bill, and she didn't want to muck it up due to unaccounted for details. She let almost all the senators go and prepared her response mentally. She hadn't needed a script for this. She preferred to go by heart. While she recognized the need for written speeches in many cases, such a vote was not one of them for her.

"My fellow senators, I implore those of you who have yet to vote (lol) to consider the benefits, and see past the potential corruption behind this bill. To fail to recognize the obviously beneficial properties of this bill, in its majority, is risible in the extreme, and I expect more from such prestigious individuals as you all."

She took a breath. Regardless of the trivial nature of her speech, it was an exhilarating experience to give council in the Senate.

"Consider the benefits of the control this gives to the Republic. This gives stability of trade routes and spreads the currently imbalanced wealth among the many worlds of our great Republic. This puts the smaller world's in better shoes and brings attention to the opportunity that joining the republic can provide. This brings immeasurable gain to not only our trade and our economy, but also to prospective Republic world's, and our reputation in general! So I do that you all consider this before you assume there is a nefarious plot behind the mask of a well-drafted bill. I believe it is worth the risk."

She smiled pleasantly, satisfied and heart racing from her delivery.

"With that, Fedalle votes YES to this bill."

 

[Jira]

The debate was a heated one, and Tycho felt trapped in a damned-if-you-do-damned-if-you don't situation. When his time to speak came, Tycho approached the podium with a certain degree of reluctance.

"Fellow senators," Tycho paused to collect his thoughts and allow silence to grow in the hall, "This is a difficult situation we find ourselves in. On one hand, our routes of commerce and travel must be fortified. If they are not, the Sith will not hesitate to cripple them when the opportunity arises. A war cannot be won through famine, nor can it be won if mobilization is not possible." The fear of being crippled by the Sith was counterbalanced by his fear of corruption, and Tycho decided to focus on that point, "However, I fear that whatever planets can deploy the most force to defend our precious hyperlanes will become irreproachable power-brokers of commerce and travel. It just so happens that the planets with the most capital and manpower have sponsored this bill." Tycho's expression was grave, and he had to suppress his desire to call out the rich and the powerful senators who drafted this bill. "I am afraid that, should the Sith threat be eliminated, the core worlds will use this bill to form a monopoly of power along the hyperlanes."

Cries grew out from the senate hall. Some called Tycho paranoid, and others cheered him on for his anti-core rhetoric. Tycho raised his hands once more to calm the mumbling mass of senators, "However, in the interest of Mutual Defence from a more dangerous enemy, the citizens of Taris vote YES. That being said, I will do everything in my power to realign the balance of power within the Republic."

Boos erupted from the Senate Hall, and Tycho silently slouched back into his seat at the conclusion of his speech. Nausea gripped him as he mentally wrestled with his decision.

 

[Fyremage]

Gregory sat in his seat, waiting for the period of voting to be concluded. When the Senator from Eshan abstained from his vote, the Chancellor at first was a bit surprised, as the possibility of him being required to break the vote became a possibility. Yet, the resulting two votes quelled such an eventuality as the vote passed.

In all honesty, if the Chancellor had to vote, he would vote in favor of this bill as well. So to know the will of the senate was, generally, in line with his was a relief. He approached the Dais and broke the hushed clamor, which was beginning to grow into dischord: "Order. Order!"

His voice resonated through the Senate Rotunda, a glare in his eyes which brokered no argument.

"We shall have order in this chamber." The clamor had, thankfully, receded, and the Chancellor spoke once more in a more official manner.

"With the window for voting at an end, the bill has passed with a majority vote of 6 to 4. I waive my right to veto the bill, and it has thusly become law. This session of the Senate is now adjourned."

Although his words symbolized the end to the vote, the Chancellor remained at the podium, as to observe the other Senators.

(End, if there are no concluding posts. If there are, please feel free to post them.)

 

[SirNoodles]

Falcon sighs to what he is hearing. At the start of the vote, NO appeared to be winning but now YES has won. It isn't often that Falcon loses things like this and it's something Falcon may not fully get over. After a short sigh, Falcon starts clapping and talks, sounding slightly grumpily, "Congratulations. I hope this helps the Republic."
After that being said, Falcon turns around and exits the building.