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That brings us to Rule 20 (a) which is a proposed
substantive change. Without reading the entire proposed
new rule, that the Committee rules have offered for your
consideration, I would like to say this. It is a rule
that would put a limit on the length of time that a
delegate can hold the floor in a discussion or debate.
The limit would be fifteen minutes. However, there are
a number of conspicuous exceptions to what at first blush
might seem to be a restriction on free speech.
The first conspicuous exception is that at any
time a majority of the delegates present voting desire
it, a delegate can extend his remarks. The second impor-
tant exception to it is that a chairman of a committee
present presenting his report can speak longer than the
fifteen-minute interval. Obviously some committee reports
will be very lengthy, and require extended explanation
and discussion.
A similar privilege is afforded the minority
spokesman in defending a minority report of a committee
of this Convention.
I think in point of fact, it is a rule that |
