The House of Representatives is expected to extend its 3rd quarter of the 6th session by an additional ten working days beginning Monday, December 11 to Friday, December 22, 2023.
A release issued Thursday, December 7, 2023, by the House’ Press Bureau says the extension is based on a request from President George Manneh Weah read in session.
“In accordance with Article 32 (b) of the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, I am pleased to kindly request extension of the Sixth Session of the 54th Legislature by ten (10) working days beginning Monday, December 11, 2023 and ending Friday, December 22, 2023,” President Weah’s communication read.
The Liberian Leader said the rationale for the request of extension is premised on matters of critical national concern, such as submission of the FY2024 national budget and action on critical bills still pending before the Legislature.
“Hon. Speaker, as alluded to in my previous communication of November 24, 2023, the just-ended presidential and legislative elections impacted the preparation of the budget,” he added.
According to the President, there are also bills of national interest still pending before the Legislature, including key financing agreements, which require deliberation and action before the adjournment of the 54th Legislature. President George Weah says he remains hopeful that the extension will avail time to the Legislature to approve the national budget and act upon other bills in the interest of the nation before the start of the next fiscal year.
Meanwhile, a motion filed by Representative Ivar Jones mandated the Secretariat to prepare a resolution for one-fourth members of the Legislature to accept the extension as requested by the President.
Prior to the latest development, the House of Representatives was expected to adjourn its 3rd quarter of the 6th session on December 8, 2023, paving the way for the 55th legislature in January 2024.