Tarawneh outlines Lower House achievements in 3rd ordinary session

AMMAN — MPs have deliberated a total of 37 laws in the 49 sessions held during the Lower House's third ordinary session, the Chamber's Speaker Atef Tarawneh said on Monday.

Speaking at a press conference on the achievements of the House, Tarawneh said that lawmakers have submitted a total of 292 questions on various issues to the government, which he said answered 220 of them.

He also said that MPs have submitted nine queries to the government and six proposals of laws, adding that the government responded only to 28 out of 92 memos deputies have presented. 

Under the House bylaws, MPs can transform their questions to the government into queries if not convinced with the answers provided. Lawmakers also have the right to request a motion of no confidence in the government, the prime minister or any minister if also not satisfied with the answers given.

Tarawneh defended the 2016 draft investment fund law, which the House passed on Sunday, citing its importance to supporting the national economy and attracting investments.

The House speaker also mentioned the 2016 constitutional amendments, the 2015 Elections Law, the Decentralisation Law and the Integrity and Anti-Corruption Law as among the most important achievements of MPs during the third ordinary session, describing the bills as the "cornerstone of reforms".

With regard to what he termed as the House's "diplomatic achievements", Tarawneh said that the Chamber has signed several memoranda of understanding and accords with Arab and friendly parliaments in addition to regional and international parliamentary organisations seeking to enhance cooperation and expertise exchange.

Two Royal Decrees were issued earlier this month; one dissolving the Parliament's ordinary session as of May 15 and another summoning it to convene for an extraordinary session to commence as of May 16 in order to endorse the draft investment fund law for 2016.