Latest news with #legislative
Washington Post
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Washington Post
Taiwanese rally for and against the recall of opposition lawmakers seen as close to China
TAIPEI, Taiwan — Threats from China and anger over legislative deadlock are dominating Taiwan's political discourse as residents rally for and against a campaign to recall two dozen opposition Nationalist Party lawmakers in polling to be held on Saturday. Thousands of supporters of the independence-leaning ruling Democratic Progressive Party turned out in the heart of the capital Taipei on Thursday to hear from civil society activists, writers, musicians and others who support the recalls, which could potentially give the party, also known as the DPP, a majority in the legislature.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Abbott announces redistricting will be included in Texas special session
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced on Wednesday that redistricting will be included in a legislative special session slated to take place later this month. The governor said in a release that the session will tackle '[legislation] that provides a revised congressional redistricting plan in light of constitutional concerns raised by the U.S. Department of Justice.' Abbott said last month he would be calling a special session, noting a handful of bills that were either filed without signature or were vetoed that would be under consideration during the special session. However, those items did not initially include redistricting. 'We delivered on historic legislation in the 89th Regular Legislative Session that will benefit Texans for generations to come,' Abbott said in the release Wednesday. 'There is more work to be done, particularly in the aftermath of the devastating floods in the Texas Hill Country. We must ensure better preparation for such events in the future.' His announcement comes after reporting last month that President Trump's political team was pushing for midcycle redistricting. Though Texas is not due to draw new House lines until after the 2030 census, Republicans are looking to defend a narrow 220-212 House majority next year and are contending with the traditional headwinds typically associated with the president's party during midterm cycles. The inclusion of redistricting in Texas' special session drew a strong rebuke from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) who criticized the governor for his handling of the deadly flooding in Texas, saying further that in a statement that 'Instead of aggressively addressing the failures of his administration, Governor Abbott and shameless extremists are conspiring with Donald Trump and House Republicans to try to rig the election and disenfranchise millions of voters.' Republicans control the state Legislature, governor's office and state Supreme Court, meaning the party will be able to easily overcome any Democratic opposition to redrawing the state's maps. However, it remains unclear how that litigation could play out if it makes its way through the federal court system, particularly as the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Alabama's maps in 2023 for likely violating the Voting Rights Act. Another looming question is whether redistricting the maps could endanger Republicans in nearby districts and make their seats potentially more competitive. Jeffries projected confidence in his statement that the redistricting effort would put several more seats in play for Democrats. 'House Democrats will push back hard against this gerrymandering scheme. We are confident that if it goes through, it will result in making several incumbent House Republicans vulnerable to fierce general election challenges,' he said. Updated at 8:44 p.m. EDT. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Times of Oman
13-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Shura Council issues report on outcomes of its legislative work
Muscat: The Shura Council has issued its comprehensive media report highlighting the outcomes of its legislative and oversight work. The report reflects the Council's unwavering commitment to enhancing public engagement by publishing detailed statistics and key indicators of its activities, including legislative performance, oversight tools, council sessions, and the work of the Council's Bureau and standing committees. These efforts reflect the Council's effective implementation of the powers and responsibilities granted to it under the Law of the Council of Oman. According to the report, the Council convened 14 regular sessions, four of which were dedicated to the presentation of ministerial statements by the ministers. These included statements from the Minister of Education, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, and Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, in addition to the statement by the Minister of Finance on the draft State Budget for the fiscal year 2025. One session also focused on a discussion request submitted to the Minister of Labour concerning temporary employment initiatives. Coinciding with the conclusion of the second annual sitting (2024–2025) of the Tenth Term (2023–2027), and pursuant to the Royal Orders of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Shura Council adjourned the session on 13 July 2025 in accordance with Article (41) of the Law of the Council of Oman (7/2021). Legislative output The report details the Council's legislative role during the sitting, which included the review of 16 draft laws and 7 international agreements referred by the government. Key legislations included the 2025 State Budget, the Real Estate Regulation Law, the Anti- Trafficking Law, the Telecommunications and Information Technology Law, the State Revenue Collection Law, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Law, amendments to the Arbitration Law, the Civil Society Institutions Law, the Land Registry Law, and the Cybercrime Law. Furthermore, the Council proposed three legislative initiatives: the Draft Law for the Sports, Culture and Youth Activities Support Fund; amendments to the Law on Private Sports Institutions (Royal Decree 81/2007); and the Draft Law on Tobacco and Derivatives Control. Oversight tools and committee work During the second annual sitting, the Council activated 169 oversight tools, including 19 parliamentary questions, 121 requests for briefing, and 10 urgent statements addressing a range of national concerns. Additionally, the Bureau of the Council held 12 meetings, and the standing committees held 92 meetings, resulting in the conclusion of 98 topics including legislative reviews, field visits, stakeholder hearings, and studies on various national issues. Among the Council's key oversight outcomes were reports on the evaluation of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology's annual report, as well as findings by two dedicated working teams: one reviewing the benefits of the Social Protection System, and the other studying Oman's digital economy strategy. Government and state Council engagement The report highlights enhanced cooperation between the Shura Council and the Council of Ministers, including two joint coordination meetings held during the session. These meetings underscored the Council's role as a legislative partner in the national development process. In line with Article (49) of the Law of the Council of Oman, the Council also worked closely with the State Council. Two joint sessions were held to resolve differences on draft legislation, leading to consensus on 11 draft laws including the Electronic Transactions Law, Public Health Law, Law on Organ and Tissue Transplantation, Financial Law, Income Tax Law, Economic and Free Zones Law, Anti-Human Trafficking Law, Telecommunications and IT Law, Real Estate Regulation Law, Public Revenue Collection Law, and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Law. Parliamentary diplomacy and international participation The report also documents the Council's active engagement in parliamentary diplomacy through participation in 22 international and regional parliamentary events, including those organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Arab Parliamentary Union, and Gulf legislative assemblies. Half-Term summary of the tenth term The Council concluded 47 legislative outputs and activated more than 300 oversight tools over the course of the first two annual sittings of the current term, reflecting its dynamic role in advancing legislative performance and responding to national priorities. In conclusion, the annual media report on the Shura Council's performance, issued by the Council's Secretariat General, reflects a firm commitment to enhancing public engagement by making comprehensive data and information related to the Council's legislative and oversight roles publicly accessible. The report embodies the Council's dedication to the powers and responsibilities outlined in the Law of the Council of Oman, and aligns—both in content and in scope—with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and the national five-year development plans. The Council continues to share this information across its social media platforms and through various media outlets, affirming its active role in advancing national priorities and meeting public aspirations. In doing so, the Council remains guided by the wise leadership and far- sighted directives of His Majesty the Sultan in advancing the Shura process and fulfilling its national mandate.
Times of Oman
12-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
State Council concludes second regular session
Muscat: Based on the Royal directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the State Council has concluded the work of the second regular session of its eighth term. His Excellency Khalid bin Ahmed Al Saadi, Secretary-General of the State Council, confirmed that this session witnessed intensive legislative activity, with the Council discussing several specialised draft laws aligned with current national priorities and citizens' aspirations. The Council also fulfilled its legislative role by reviewing a number of key national study proposals. His Excellency highlighted the Council's accomplishments, stating that the session reflected a comprehensive set of legislative activities demonstrating the Council's commitment to its national duties. Fourteen draft laws were discussed, along with amendments to existing legislation across sectors such as the economy, education, health, and technology. These discussions aimed to enhance the investment climate, improve social services, and reinforce national development. He noted that the Council's standing committees were particularly active, holding multiple meetings to address priority topics and preparing key recommendations for general sessions. Open forums were also organised with civil society representatives, experts, and officials to enhance public participation in decision-making and encourage cross-sector collaboration. During this session, the Council held eight general sessions and reviewed 18 topics. Among the draft laws discussed were those related to electronic transactions, public health, financial legislation, individual income tax, and the regulation of organ and tissue donation and transplantation. The discussions featured constructive input from members, with in-depth debates exploring legislative aspects of each proposal. Two joint sessions were also held with the Shura Council to resolve differences in specific articles of draft laws. These sessions concluded with consensus on all disputed points, reflecting national unity and public interest. The Council's office held six meetings, reviewed 60 topics, and issued 45 decisions, focusing on session organisation, committee coordination, member proposals, and administrative matters. Three meetings were also held with heads and rapporteurs of permanent committees to strengthen legislative coordination and align with government frameworks. In line with Article (77) of the Law of the Council of Oman, the Council of Ministers also met with the Chairman and members of the Council's office during the session. Standing committees held 72 main meetings and 90 sub-meetings, hosting 45 representatives from public and private sector entities. Special committees held 27 main and 3 sub-meetings, hosting state officials to support their studies. Additionally, 11 joint committee meetings were held with the Shura Council to review specific draft law provisions. Externally, the Council maintained its presence in regional and international forums, participating in conferences, parliamentary events, and global seminars. These included meetings of GCC legislative bodies, the Arab Parliament, the Parliamentary Union of OIC Member States, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and others. The Council's international participation helped enhance Oman's global legislative standing, reaffirmed its commitment to democratic values and human rights, and supported its positions in international forums. Domestically, the Council prioritised coordination with national institutions, hosting ministers and senior officials who presented detailed reports on institutional performance, policy implementation, and project indicators. These sessions facilitated dialogue and performance assessment. Concluding the session, His Excellency noted that several significant draft laws were approved, reinforcing the Council's legislative engagement and its commitment to national development. He reaffirmed the Council's dedication to continuing this work in future sessions in service of Oman and its comprehensive development goals.
Harvard Business Review
09-07-2025
- Business
- Harvard Business Review
Competing in the New Era of Industrial Policy
Summary. It used to be that legislative agendas and macro policy issues like trade policies or environmental initiatives were long-cycle issues about which executives could say, 'Oh, let's see what happens in the next G7 meeting.' They no
