Democratic Party "Yellow Envelope Act and Broadcasting Act to be promoted on the 9th of next month... Speaker Kim Jin-pyo also decides to proceed"

Democratic Party's Floor Leadership Likely to Take About 5 Days to Process Bills
People Power Party Responds with Filibuster... Opposition Counters by Ending Debate

The Democratic Party of Korea plans to push for the Yellow Envelope Act (Amendments to Articles 2 and 3 of the Labor Union and Labor Relations Act) and the Three Broadcasting Laws (Broadcasting Act, Broadcasting Culture Promotion Act, and Korea Educational Broadcasting System Act) during the regular National Assembly session in November. With Speaker Kim Jin-pyo also agreeing to the bill processing schedule, a fierce confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties is expected, including a filibuster (unlimited debate) on the related laws.

Choi Hye-young, the Democratic Party floor spokesperson, explained to reporters after the National Assembly audit countermeasures meeting held that morning, "We have decided to push for the Yellow Envelope Act and the Broadcasting Act at the plenary session starting on November 9." Previously, the Democratic Party had attempted to force the bills several times, but Speaker Kim refused to put them on the agenda, demanding inter-party consultations, thus preventing a vote.

When asked by reporters about the Speaker's intentions, Spokesperson Choi replied, "A decision has been made to proceed."

The empty National Assembly plenary chamber. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

The People Power Party plans to use unlimited debate and other tactics to block the passage of the two bills. Regarding this, Spokesperson Choi said, "The ruling party is said to be conducting a filibuster," adding, "I think it will take about five days starting from the 9th." When asked why she estimated about five days, she explained, "To stop a filibuster, 179 votes in favor are required," and "Since the bills are being debated separately, it is expected to take about five days." Accordingly, the plenary session starting on the 9th is expected to conclude around the 13th.

Meanwhile, Speaker Kim Jin-pyo, People Power Party floor leader Yoon Jae-ok, and Democratic Party floor leader Hong Ik-pyo agreed in a meeting the previous day not to attach hand signs in the National Assembly plenary hall and standing committee meeting rooms. Additionally, they reached a gentlemen's agreement that during the president's policy speech and the negotiation group representatives' speeches, members seated in their seats will not shout or make remarks. The Democratic Party explained that this gentlemen's agreement was proposed by Floor Leader Hong.

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