-To Reconvene In October
The House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature has officially concluded the Second Quarter of the Third Session, adjourning its regular sittings until October 2026 after a productive legislative quarter marked by significant lawmaking, robust oversight, and institutional reforms.
Speaking during the closing of the 21st Day Sitting on Thursday, Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon commended members of the House for their dedication, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment to serving the Liberian people.
“Today, we bring the Second Quarter of the Third Session of the 55th Legislature to a close. Let me extend my sincere gratitude to each of you for your dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to the service of the Liberian people,” Speaker Koon said.
Reflecting on the House’s achievements over the past months, the Speaker noted that despite numerous challenges and competing demands, the Legislature remained focused on fulfilling its constitutional mandate through lawmaking, oversight, and representation.
He disclosed that during the quarter, the House held 21 regular sittings and eight Executive Sessions, during which lawmakers passed a total of 31 legislative instruments, including eight bills sponsored by members of the House, nineteen Executive Bills, and four resolutions.
Speaker Koon also revealed that 26 legislative instruments remain under committee consideration. These include four House bills, two Senate bills, thirteen Executive Bills, three resolutions, and four petitions, urging standing committees to intensify their efforts in clearing the existing legislative backlog before the commencement of the next quarter.
The House also processed a substantial volume of communications, acting on 100 communications, comprising 88 from members of the House, eight from the Executive Branch, four from institutions, and seven from individuals.
On legislative oversight, Speaker Koon highlighted the House’s continued commitment to accountability, stating that 46 public officials and institutional representatives appeared before various committees during the quarter as part of the Legislature’s constitutional oversight responsibilities.
He praised lawmakers for placing the national interest above partisan and individual considerations, emphasizing that the accomplishments recorded during the quarter demonstrate the Legislature’s commitment to strengthening transparency, accountability, and public confidence in governance.
The Speaker also extended appreciation to the Chief Clerk’s Office, committee clerks, and the entire support staff for their professionalism and dedication throughout the quarter.
“I also want to appreciate the media. Without you, the public would not know what we do as lawmakers, both individually and collectively. Your reporting continues to strengthen transparency and public understanding of the legislative process,” he stated.
While announcing the legislative recess, Speaker Koon reminded members that the break only suspends regular plenary sittings and does not relieve lawmakers of their constitutional responsibilities to the citizens they represent.
“I encourage each of you to remain actively engaged with your constituents, listen to their concerns, monitor development initiatives within your districts, and continue serving as their voice and advocate,” he urged.
He further described the recess as an opportunity for legislators to deepen community engagement, strengthen public confidence in the Legislature, and return in October with renewed commitment and fresh perspectives to address the remaining legislative agenda.
Speaker Koon concluded by thanking members for their cooperation, mutual respect, and unwavering commitment throughout the quarter, wishing them safe travels and productive engagements with their constituents.
“I look forward to welcoming you all back in October as we resume our work with even greater determination to serve the Republic of Liberia. May God bless you all, and may God bless the Republic of Liberia,” Speaker Koon concluded.
The House of Representatives is expected to resume regular sittings in October 2026 to continue deliberations on pending legislation and other matters of national importance.
Prior to the official closure, the House of Representatives approved the Joint Conference Committee Report on the Act creating the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Company and reforming petroleum sector regulations.
The House’s decision on Thursday, July 16, 2026, followed the Joint Conference Committee’s harmonization of differences between versions earlier passed by the House and Liberian Senate.
The Committee concluded that concerns raised by private petroleum terminal operators are sufficiently protected under Articles 21 and 25 of the Constitution.
The report said the Constitution guarantees the sanctity of contracts and prohibits retroactive laws that could undermine existing agreements, licenses, and business interests.
Based on its findings, the Joint Conference Committee recommended that the House approve the Senate-engrossed bill without further amendment.
Meanwhile, the approved legislation is expected to be forwarded to the Executive Mansion for presidential consideration in keeping with the legislative process.
