MONROVIA, LIBERIA – On Monday, January 13, 2025, the Senate opened its second session of the 55th Legislature with Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence unveiling an ambitious roadmap for the first quarter of 2025. Delivering her address on the Senate’s legislative priorities, she commended her colleagues for their efforts in the preceding year while emphasizing the need for accelerated progress on critical national issues.
Highlighting the Senate’s performance in 2024, Karnga-Lawrence lauded the passage of 27 legislative items, including 18 ratifications, three amendments, and six new laws, alongside the confirmation of 996 government nominees. She acknowledged, however, that 40 pending bills remain stuck in committee reviews, pledging a more focused approach to ensure their timely passage. To streamline legislative work, she directed all committees to submit weekly progress reports beginning January 21, 2025, cautioning that delays would prompt the formation of ad-hoc committees or a full-Senate review process.
Among the priority legislation awaiting action are proposed amendments to key acts, including the Liberia Tourism Authority Act, the Liberia Technical and Vocational Education and Training Commission Act, and the Presidential Transitional Act of 2024. The Pro Tempore emphasised the importance of these bills in strengthening governance and fostering national development.
In her call for enhanced oversight, Karnga-Lawrence instructed committees to intensify monitoring of government programs and budgets. The Ways, Means, and Finance Committee was tasked with securing quarterly financial reports from the Ministry of Finance, while the Committee on Public Works was mandated to present an in-depth analysis of ongoing road projects. Additionally, the Committee on Energy and Environment was directed to work closely with the Liberia Electricity Corporation to address power supply issues, particularly at the Capitol Building.
Reforms aimed at improving governance within the Senate also featured prominently in her address. Karnga-Lawrence outlined progress on implementing recommendations from the General Auditing Commission, citing improvements in procurement practices, financial reporting, and operational planning. She expressed optimism about completing half of the proposed reforms by mid-2025.
The welfare of Senate staff was another focal point, with the Pro Tempore highlighting achievements such as the introduction of transportation and health insurance benefits, as well as retirement packages for long-serving employees. Infrastructure modernization efforts, including the installation of solar-powered streetlights and plans for enhanced security through a modern CCTV system, were also announced.
Karnga-Lawrence further emphasized the importance of professional development, revealing that training programs in governance, financial management, and legislative operations are currently underway. Consultants have been engaged to develop a five-year strategic plan aimed at transforming the Senate into a leading legislative body.
Amid recent controversies, Karnga-Lawrence addressed unauthorized activities within the Senate, warning against actions that disrupt institutional operations. She criticized a recent unauthorized press conference by some staff members as misleading and urged strict adherence to established grievance procedures.
Closing her address, the Pro Tempore extended condolences to the families of several prominent Liberians who passed away recently, including former Vice President John D. Gray, former Senate Pro Tempore Cletus Segbe Wotorson, and late Senators Sumo Kupee, Prince Y. Johnson, and Joyce Musu Freeman-Sumo. A condolence book in honor of the late Senator Johnson was officially opened at the Capitol.
