KMT, TPP block special defense budget for the eighth timeBy Sam Garcia / Staff writer, with CNAOpposition parties today used their majority in the Legislative Yuan to block the Executive Yuan’s NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.55 billion) special defense budget for the eighth time. The KMT and TPP caucuses rejected the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s proposals and approved the TPP’s, again blocking the eight-year special defense budget. Supporting national defense and approving the special defense budget is the best way to back the military and safeguard the nation, Lai said, urging opposition parties to allow the budget to be reviewed and approved. The TPP caucus’s eight votes would back the Executive Yuan’s special defense budget if the majority found the president’s arguments sound, but Lai has not yet responded, he said. The KMT caucus hopes Lai will report to the Legislative Yuan, KMT caucus secretary-general Lo Chih-chiang (羅智強) said.
