Lawmakers today passed the second reading of a motion that would authorize the disbursement of NT$71.8 billion (US$2.27 billion) for 38 projects under the central government budget.
The motion passed 54 to 29, with the numerical advantage held by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP).
Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) said that the legislature had approved early release of funds for the designated new capital expenditures and projects under this year’s central government budget, citing their "urgency and significant impact on public livelihood."
Photo: Taipei Times
The 38 projects include subsidies to address Taiwan’s low birthrate, funding for the TPass program, and flood control and water management initiatives.
The motion, proposed by the KMT and the TPP, was fast-tracked to the second reading and cross-party negotiations on Jan. 16, bypassing committee review.
The opposition parties convened cross-party negotiations on Jan. 22, but failed to reach a consensus with the executive branch and ruling party lawmakers.
Lawmakers this morning reached a consensus to vote on the bill after a month-long cooling-off period.
Executive Yuan spokesperson Michelle Lee (李慧芝) said there is no precedent for splitting the general budget.
The central government budget and the special defense budget are designed as integrated administrative plans and should not be fragmented, she said, urging political parties to unite and engage in rational deliberations.
It is regrettable that the central government budget — which is essential for national construction and public services — has still not been referred to legislative committees for review, she said.
The budget bill should undergo three readings, according the Article 7 of the Act Governing the Legislative Yuan's Power (立法院職權行使法), she said, calling the passage of the second reading of the motion unprecedented.
Citing the urgency of the new projects, she urged legislative caucuses across party lines to begin substantive review of the general budget as soon as possible and complete the required legal procedures.
Additional reporting by Chung Li-hua
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