The British wanted a matter tabled immediately because it was important, and the Americans insisted it should not be tabled at all because it was important (it had to be studied beforehand).
In British English, the term means "to discuss now" (the issue is brought to the table),
whereas in American English it means "to defer" (the issue is left on the table).
Source: https://www2.bc.edu/~stantoro/en307/presentations/08handouts/usuk.pptUK: to formally announce that you want something to be discussed during a meeting.
Ms Scott tabled an amendment (=change) to the suggestion.
US: to postpone discussion on a particular subject or motion until a later time
We'll have to table this last item until our next meeting.
Phrasebank
• A new clause was tabled to the Criminal Justice Bill.
• The proposal was tabled by Matthew Shefras MP.
• On the last day, the House of Representatives tabled the legislation.
• The proposal failed to gain support so they had to table it.
Common mistakes
• Note that this term has opposite meanings in BrE and AmE. Make sure that you know who your readers or listeners are when you use this term.
