MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The House of Representatives has agreed to pass a resolution to authorize the usage of one-twelfth of the 2019/2020 National Budget by the Executive.

According to ELBC Legislative Reporter, the House has mandated the Chief Clerk to develop the resolution for onward approval by members of the body.

It followed a request by President George Weah, requesting the passage of a resolution to authorize the usage of one-twelfth of the National Budget.

In a communication to Plenary Tuesday, August 11, 2020, President Weah referenced Section 17 of the Public Financial Management Law of Liberia as his reliance.

The law, among other things, states wherein the National Legislature is unable to adopt the National Budget before the start of the Fiscal Year, the Minister of Finance is authorized to collect revenues and approve expenditures in line with the proposed budget.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has amended the Telecommunications Act of 2007, Part Four Sections 12 and 13, expanding the functions of the National Operator.

Plenary’s decision on Tuesday followed a report by the House Committees on Post and Telecommunications, Ways and Means and Judiciary.

The Chairman of the House Posts and Telecommunications Committee, Representative Isaac Roland, said the amendment of the provision will enable Government-owned Corporation LIBTELCO to provide world-class telecommunications products and services.

Representative Roland said it will also enable economic growth of various sectors such as education, healthcare, banking, energy among others.

The instrument is expected to be forwarded to the Liberian Senate for concurrence.