DP to Counter PPP's Habitual Hostage Tactics... Pursuing National Assembly Act Normalization Tasks

Preventing Delays in Legislative Review by Standing Committee Chairs
Indication of Reforms to Fast-Track and Filibuster Systems

The Democratic Party of Korea announced that after completing the reorganization of the 22nd National Assembly in the second half of the term, it would address issues related to the "normalization of the National Assembly," including amendments to the National Assembly Act designed to prevent delays in the review of bills by standing committee chairs.

Chun Junho, Chief Deputy Floor Manager of the Democratic Party, stated at a floor countermeasures meeting held at the National Assembly on the 30th, "We need countermeasures against the habitual hostage-taking tactics of the People Power Party," making these remarks.

Chun Junho, Chief Deputy Floor Manager, speaking Photo by Yonhap News

Chun emphasized, "The People Power Party is disrupting negotiations for the formation of the Assembly. Even though they are fully aware that the chair of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee cannot be used as a bargaining chip, they continue to insist on it like a parrot until the end."

He continued, "The frame they ultimately resorted to was the so-called 'Democratic Party's attempt to monopolize the standing committees.' This is a chilling example of playing the victim. So far, the ruling and opposition parties have held more than 15 meetings. Even as the Speaker requested the submission of the list of standing committee members in accordance with the law, he set deadlines three times."

He added, "The practice of holding up the government by occupying positions without even conducting meetings must end. The Democratic Party will take the first step toward normalizing the National Assembly at today’s (30th) plenary session." Chun also stated, "The formation of the Assembly will be the first priority. We will also pursue other measures to ensure that the National Assembly works for the people. We cannot allow the lives of the people to be swayed at the will of the People Power Party forever."

He went on to say, "In committees chaired by the People Power Party, even the very convening of the committee was held hostage. We will consider amending the National Assembly Act."

Previously, in April, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Taenyeon sponsored an amendment to the National Assembly Act that would allow for the replacement of a standing committee chair if the chair fails to convene meetings or delays the review of bills without clear justification.

Chun also said he would strengthen the effectiveness of the fast-track system. Currently, the maximum review period for fast-track bills is 330 days, but there are plans to shorten this period.

He further announced that the party would pursue a bill to normalize the filibuster system (unlimited debate as a lawful means to delay proceedings). Chun said, "The People Power Party has repeatedly used filibusters even for bills related to people's livelihoods, taking the people's livelihood hostage. Yet, they themselves fail to even attend plenary sessions. We will amend the law to ensure that there is at least a minimum sense of responsibility when invoking or maintaining a filibuster."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.