Explanation and Use

Main Motions

Any main motion

Main motion

A main motion, in parliamentary procedure, is a motion that brings business before the assembly. Main motions are made while no other motion is pending...

 and any motion to amend may be amended. However, a motion to amend a motion to amend may not be amended, due to the overly complex parliamentary situation that would frequently result.

Secondary Motions

Secondary motions that, by their nature, include a variable element, also may be amended. For example, the motion to postpone

Postpone to a certain time

In parliamentary procedure, a postponing to a certain time or postponing to a time certain is an act of the deliberative assembly, generally implemented as a motion...

may be amended as to the length of the postponement; the motion to limit or extend limits of debate may be amended as to the number or length of speeches or the total time to be consumed; and the motion to commit or refer may be amended as to the details of the committee or the time within which the committee must report.

Forms and Uses of the Motion

The motion to amend takes three basic forms:

• Inserting or adding words or paragraphs.
• Striking out words or paragraphs.
• Striking out words and inserting or adding others, or substituting an entire paragraph or complete resolution for another.

A Substitute Amendment is an amendment that would replace existing language of a bill or another amendment with its own .

An amendment can be used to water down a motion into a form that is more likely to be accepted or to convert it into a form that is more likely to be rejected .