More Debate On Parlimentary Inquiry

Williams says there are methods in place to verify that the proper votes are cast.

Asked how the body verifies that.

Williams: said the teller will call the roll and match that against the number of ballots.

Geren: This amendment isn’t about a secret ballot it is about delaying the notification of how each member voted until the committees and chairs have been chosen by the speaker. Protects the speaker and members.

Move for adoption of amendment to amendment.

Talton: What is the reason for the offering of the amendment.

Geren: Fair and unbiased process in committee appointments or chairs.

Talton: sometime in the future, it will be made public?

Geren: Yes.

Moved adoption.

Hartnett up in opposition:  is this a precedent we want here? How would you feel if your city council cast an important vote but we don’t want people to know how we voted for political reasons, so we’ll shelve it. You’d be upset and ask why they are doing that. Interfereing with public’s right to know.

Asks that they oppose amendment to amendment and has moved to table.

Eiland to close. If you vote for the motion to table, then you are voting to kill this amendment. If you are in support of the amendment, you vote no.

NOTE: The “anti-craddick” vote is a “no” on a motion to table; the pro-craddick vote is “yes.”