To Lay on the Table
Immediate and decisive action on any question under discussion may be deferred, by a vote to lay on the table the resolution pending. This disposes of the whole subject for the present, and ordinarily is in effect a final dismissal of it. But any member has the right subsequently to call it up; and the body will decide by vote whether, or not, it shall be taken from the table.
1. Sometimes, however, a resolution is laid on the table for the present, or until a specified time, to give place to other business.
2. A motion to lay on the table must apply to a resolution, or other papers. An abstract subject cannot be disposed of in this way.
Postponement
A simple postponement is for a specified time or purpose, the business to be resumed when the time or purpose is reached. But a question indefinitely postponed is considered as finally dismissed.
Not Debatable
Certain motions, by established usage, are not debatable, but when once before the body, must be taken without discussion.
These are: The previous question, for indefinite postponement, to commit, to lay on the table, to adjourn.
But when these motions are modified by some condition of time, place, or purpose, they become debatable, and subject to the rules of other motions; but debatable only in respect to the time, place, or purpose which brings them within the province of debate.