Final answer:
When a motion is not taken from the table within required time limits, it typically means the bill is no longer being actively considered, signifying that the bill is effectively dead. Such a bill can be revived for discussion and vote at a later date but usually does not progress any further in the legislative process if left on the table.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a motion is not taken from the table within the required time limits, it usually indicates that the bill is no longer under active consideration. In the legislative process, particularly within the U.S. Congress, tabling a motion or a bill typically means the bill is effectively dead, although there is a procedural option to revive it for discussion and vote at a later time. If the motion is not taken up again, it does not proceed any further in the legislative process.
For example, once a bill reaches a committee and hearings have been completed, it enters the markup stage where the bill can be amended and voted upon. A bill can be tabled at this point, which generally stops its progress unless the committee revisits it. On the House floor, after debate governed by the rules set forth by the House Committee on Rules, the bill is voted on. A failure to move the bill along through these stages can result in it being permanently set aside unless a member moves to bring it back for consideration.