FreedomNews | Gerald Tamba Morris
Monrovia, Liberia – Senator Cllr. Augustine Chea has raised significant concerns regarding the President’s recent budget submission to the Deputy Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives. In a detailed statement, Senator Chea argues that the budget should have been submitted directly to the Speaker, who he identifies as the sole Presiding Officer of the House.
Constitutional and Legal Grounds
Senator Chea emphasizes Article 49 of the Liberian Constitution, which explicitly states: “The House of Representatives shall elect once every six years a Speaker who shall be the presiding officer of that body, a Deputy Speaker, and such other officers as shall ensure the proper functioning of the House.” He points out that the constitution does not refer to the Chief Clerk or Deputy Chief Clerk as Presiding Officers, except in cases where the Speaker is incapacitated or absent.
Furthermore, the Public Financial Management (PFM) Act of 2009, Section 11(1), specifies that “The President shall submit the Proposed Budget and accompanying documents to the Legislature no later than two (2) months before the start of the fiscal year.” According to Senator Chea, this submission should have been addressed to the Speaker, mirroring the protocol for communications to the President and Chief Justice.
Procedural and Administrative Concerns
Senator Chea argues that the submission of the budget to the Deputy Chief Clerk, who is neither the Head of the Legislature nor the Presiding Officer, is “procedurally, legally, administratively, and traditionally wrong.” He asserts that the “majority bloc” of the House of Representatives lacks the legal authority to receive and act on the budget when submitted by the Deputy Chief Clerk.
Implications and Legislative Session
Addressing the contention that the budget submission to the Deputy Chief Clerk was based on House Rule 25.10, which some interpreted as allowing such submission when the House is not in session, Senator Chea clarified that the Legislature has not adjourned since convening in January. He distinguishes between a Legislative Session, which runs from January to mid-December, and a Plenary Sitting, which has been disrupted by the ongoing leadership crisis.
Call for Adherence to Tradition and Law
Senator Chea concludes by warning that the President’s recognition of the “majority bloc” and submission of the budget to them could lead to disharmony between the Legislature and the Executive. He urges adherence to established legal and administrative protocols to maintain the rule of law and the integrity of legislative procedures.
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