Pan-blue lawmakers yesterday once again blocked a couple of bills proposed by the government and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the Procedure Committee, prompting a DPP legislator to call them barbaric.
"If only the bills sponsored by Chinese Nationalist Party [KMT] and People First Party [PFP] can be put on the agenda, then it isn't necessary to have the Procedure Committee," DPP Legislator Chen Hsien-chung (陳憲中) said.
Bills blocked in the committee included the arms procurement budget, the bill to review the president's nominations for the Control Yuan, some budget bills and bills related to economic development and social welfare.
PFP Legislator Lin Hui-kuan (林惠官) and KMT Legislator Joanna Lei (
"You at least must give a reason why you don't want to put them on the agenda. As long as the proposals fit in with the requirements to become formal bills, then how can you block them?" Chen said.
The Procedure Committee could be called the most barbaric place on earth, as any legislator can block bills without a reason, Chen said.
Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr arrived in Taiwan last night to kick off his first visit to the country since beginning his second term earlier this year. After arriving at Taoyuan International Airport at around 6:30 pm, Whipps and his delegation were welcomed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍). Speaking to gathered media, the Palauan leader said he was excited and honored to be back in Taiwan on his first state visit to Taiwan since he was sworn in this January. Among those traveling with Whipps is Minister of State Gustav N. Aitaro, Public Infrastructure
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