The Democratic Party of Korea expressed optimism that the Jeonnam-Gwangju merger special bill and Local Autonomy Act, currently subject to filibuster, could be processed together if the People Power Party agrees to support the Daegu-North Gyeongsang merger special bill. The ruling party also signaled it may unilaterally introduce the Special Act on Investment in the United States if negotiations stall.
"If the People Power Party changes its position to support the Daegu-North Gyeongsang merger special bill, there is a possibility that the Jeonnam-Gwangju merger special bill and Local Autonomy Act scheduled for a vote on December 2 could also be processed through agreement," Democratic Party floor spokesperson Kim Hyun-jung said after a policy coordination meeting at the National Assembly on Nov. 26.
The statement reflects the ruling party's hope to accelerate legislation through bipartisan agreement, as the ongoing filibuster by the opposition has effectively limited proceedings to one bill per day.
Earlier that day, 12 People Power Party lawmakers from Daegu and 13 from North Gyeongsang Province held separate meetings at the National Assembly. Both groups agreed to support the administrative merger special bill and conveyed their position to party leadership. Daegu lawmakers reached "unanimous approval" without a vote, while North Gyeongsang lawmakers narrowly approved the measure through voting.
The Democratic Party took a harder stance on the Special Act on Investment in the United States.
"The Democratic Party will do its best to process the Special Act on Investment in the United States through agreement with the People Power Party," Kim said. "Nevertheless, if we cannot reach an agreement, the Democratic Party will have no choice but to use every means possible to pass it."
Rep. Kim Won-yi, the Democratic Party's chief secretary on the Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs and Startups Committee, suggested the National Assembly Speaker should exercise authority to introduce the bill directly. Following a party-government consultation meeting, Kim said: "There was strong consensus that the Special Act on Investment in the United States must be processed quickly. This is my personal opinion, but the National Assembly Speaker should introduce it through direct authority."
Floor spokesperson Kim expressed similar sentiment, saying the party would not limit its options.
The Special Committee on Investment in the United States has yet to form a bill subcommittee. The Democratic Party proposes a 3-3-1 composition among the Democrats, People Power Party, and non-negotiating groups, while the opposition insists on a 3-3 split between the two major parties. With the special committee's mandate expiring on Dec. 9, time is running short for legislative action.