The Democratic Party is pushing to hold the first plenary session of the August extraordinary National Assembly on the 13th. They argue that the People Power Party's filibuster is obstructing the legislative process and are committed to swiftly addressing livelihood bills. As part of this effort, a vote on a proposed amendment to the National Assembly Act, which would shorten the fast-track review period from a maximum of 330 days to 90 days, is expected to take place during the session.
Chun Jun-ho, the Democratic Party's floor leader, suggested the August 13 session during a meeting on August 4, stating, "I hope the People Power Party will end its hostage situation over livelihood bills this month." He emphasized that bills related to the public's well-being, which have been stalled due to the opposition's obstruction, need to be addressed, and that the Assembly must process legislation that was not completed in the first half of the 22nd National Assembly.
Previously, the amendment to shorten the fast-track review period was introduced in the National Assembly on July 31 but was not voted on due to the People Power Party's filibuster. The session automatically concluded at midnight as the July extraordinary National Assembly period ended, and the amendment will now go through the voting process in the first plenary session of the August extraordinary National Assembly. The proposed changes would reduce the current fast-track review period from '180 days in committee, 90 days in the Judiciary Committee, and 60 days in the plenary session' to '60 days in committee, 30 days in the Judiciary Committee, and presentation in the first plenary session after being submitted.'
The Democratic Party aims to improve the legislative process by shortening the fast-track review period, which has been delayed by the opposition's filibuster on contentious bills. They also plan to pass non-controversial livelihood bills that are currently pending in the Assembly. In contrast, the People Power Party has strongly opposed these changes, arguing that they would undermine the filibuster, a tool used by the opposition to check the ruling party's power.
Han Byeong-do, the acting leader of the Democratic Party, also pointed out during the meeting that "the operation of the National Assembly is in a serious situation due to the People Power Party's obstruction." He noted that there are currently 113 bills pending in the Assembly that have not been processed in the first half of the National Assembly, with only 2 and 75 bills addressed in the Judiciary Committee on July 15 and 29, respectively. He stressed the importance of holding the plenary session on the 13th to begin processing these bills.
He further stated that if the filibuster continues to delay the processing of bills, they will explore all possible means to respond. He criticized the People Power Party for showing no willingness to normalize the operation of the National Assembly, asserting, "If they block the bills, we will take all necessary measures to restore normalcy."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.