**Administrative integration, judicial reform, and the third amendment of the Commercial Act accelerate**
Legislation to reduce uncertainties with the Special Law on Investment in the U.S.
The Democratic Party of Korea announced plans to speedily push forward key state tasks, including livelihood and reform bills, with what it calls a “legislative expressway.” This decision follows President Lee Jae-myung’s recent public criticism of legislative delays by the National Assembly, emphasizing the need for swift bill processing.
On the 2nd, Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae stated during a supreme council meeting at the National Assembly, “With the start of the February provisional National Assembly session today, it is time for decisive action on core reform issues, such as administrative integration, judicial reform, and the third amendment of the Commercial Act, which the public has been waiting for.”
The Democratic Party also committed to quickly processing the Special Law on Investment in the U.S., which the U.S. government has pressured to move quickly. Leader Jeong said, “We need to urgently eliminate customs uncertainties,” pledging to ensure that the customs agreement negotiated after intense diplomacy with the U.S. is firmly established, alleviating any concerns for our businesses.
With the Lunar New Year holiday approaching in two weeks, Jeong urged quick discussions on livelihood bills in each standing committee.
On the same day, floor leader Han Byung-do also stressed the need for rapid legislation, promising to promptly process remaining legislative tasks. “On the 29th of last month, the National Assembly processed 90 livelihood-related bills, but over 80 still remain pending,” Han added, promising a “legislative expressway for livelihood recovery to be laid in the February National Assembly.”
Additionally, he requested cooperation from the People Power Party for the swift processing of bills. “Efforts to eliminate uncertainties with the Special Law on Investment in the U.S. need to accelerate. We hope the People Power Party will cooperate unconditionally,” Han said, urging the party to abandon ineffective policies and actively collaborate on livelihood issues.
Previously, President Lee expressed frustration during a cabinet meeting on the 27th, citing the National Assembly’s sluggish pace as a hindrance to work. He reiterated the need for faster legislative and administrative processes during a meeting with senior aides on the 29th.