What is the effect of a motion to postpone indefinitely according to Robert's Rules of Order?

The motion to postpone indefinitely serves a critical function in parliamentary procedure as outlined in Robert's Rules of Order. When a motion is postponed indefinitely, it effectively "kills" the question or resolution under consideration, preventing any further discussion or action on it during the current session. This means that members cannot revisit the motion unless it is brought up again by a new motion in a subsequent meeting, which makes this motion a strategic tool for members who wish to avoid a contentious debate or decision.

In contrast, the other options suggest different outcomes. Allowing discussion to continue at a later time would imply that the motion is merely delayed, which is not the case with a motion to postpone indefinitely. The option that mentions sending the motion to a committee implies that further study or consideration would take place, which again does not align with the intent of this motion. Lastly, the option proposing a vote without further debate misunderstands the nature of postponing indefinitely; once the motion is tabled, no immediate vote or debate can occur regarding the content of the original motion. Thus, the correct understanding of the effect of postponing indefinitely is that it concludes the current consideration of the question at hand.