On the 29th, the four opposition parties submitted a consent form to the National Assembly to designate the Itaewon Special Act as a fast-track bill. The fast-track designation of the Itaewon Special Act is expected to be processed at the plenary session on the 30th.
Song Ki-heon, the senior deputy floor leader of the Democratic Party, Lee Eun-ju, the senior deputy floor leader of the Justice Party, Yong Hye-in, a member of the Basic Income Party, and Kang Seong-hee, a member of the Progressive Party, submitted the consent form for the fast-track designation of the Itaewon Special Act to the National Assembly on the same day. The submitted consent form for the fast-track designation is not an actual vote on the bill but signifies setting deadlines for the bill’s processing in the future. The special law on the Itaewon tragedy, jointly proposed earlier by the four opposition parties, includes forming a special investigation committee through the National Assembly’s investigative committee recommendation committee, which can request a special prosecutor’s investigation if necessary. Additionally, the special law includes provisions for victim relief and support for community recovery programs.
After submitting the form, Senior Deputy Floor Leader Song told reporters, “The four opposition parties submitted the proposal to designate the Itaewon Special Act as a fast-track bill to clearly establish the state’s responsibility for disaster response.” He added, “I will do my best so that this bill is designated as a fast-track bill at the plenary session, clearly holding the government accountable for neglecting the safety of its citizens and making this an opportunity to ensure such incidents never happen again.”
He said, “Designating it as a fast-track bill does not mean the discussion on the bill is over,” and added, “I take this opportunity to ask the government and ruling party to sincerely engage in discussions on the bill and do their best to meet the hopes and aspirations of the people.”
Senior Deputy Floor Leader Lee said, “We all know very well that fast-track bills are not necessarily fast,” and urged, “The ruling party and government should ensure that this bill is swiftly processed through bipartisan agreement in the Public Administration and Security Committee so that the cause and truth of the October 29 Itaewon tragedy, which took the precious lives of our bereaved families, can be properly investigated and healing can take place. Politics must fulfill its role.”
Member Yong also said, “The designation of a fast-track bill is merely a kind of safety measure to set the final voting deadline within the 21st National Assembly’s term,” and added, “If the government and ruling party sincerely engage in negotiations, I believe a consensus that both sides can agree on can be reached.” He also requested, “I hope the ruling party members meet directly with the bereaved families at least once to hear firsthand what kind of truth-finding they want.”
On the 29th, lawmakers from the four parties submitted a request to designate the Itaewon Special Act as a fast-track bill at the National Assembly's Legislative Affairs Office. From left to right: Kang Seonghee of the Jinbo Party, Song Kiheon of the Democratic Party of Korea, Lee Eunju of the Justice Party, and Yong Hyein of the Basic Income Party. Photo by Kim Hyunmin kimhyun81@
Member Kang said, “The special law is not a bill for political strife, nor is it a bill to be passed solely by the Democratic Party. All opposition parties except the People Power Party and all members in the National Assembly are pushing for this bill because it is necessary,” and appealed, “I hope the People Power Party will not collectively walk out or act otherwise regarding this bill but will participate in discussions and join forces so that this bill can be passed.”
The consent for the fast-track designation requires at least three-fifths of the total members to vote in favor by secret ballot at the plenary session. As explained by the members, the designation of a fast-track bill does not immediately mean the bill will be processed. According to the National Assembly Act, a bill designated as a fast-track bill can require up to 180 days in the relevant standing committee and up to 90 days for the Legislation and Judiciary Committee’s review of the bill’s structure and wording. Furthermore, if no bipartisan agreement is reached at the plenary session, the bill will be submitted to the first plenary session after 60 days have passed.
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