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{
    "id": 965361,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/965361/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 282,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Sakaja",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13131,
        "legal_name": "Johnson Arthur Sakaja",
        "slug": "johnson-arthur-sakaja"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise on a point of order under Standing Order 156 and 157. I would like to seek a serious ruling from your Chair. We are debating a Bill from the National Assembly. In true fashion of the Senate, we are going to deal with it and finish. However, currently, there are 34 Bills from the Senate in the National Assembly, which Members have researched, worked on and passed. Sen. Olekina has two Bills that he sponsored, which are still pending in the National Assembly. Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr. and I also have two pending Bills each. The Determination of the Nature of Bills (Procedure) Bill, 2018, was referred to the Budget Office and it is still pending there. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Senate needs to pronounce itself on the pending bills in the National Assembly. We have to relook at Standing Order 156, which states that once we have dealt with a Bill, it goes to the National Assembly, where they go to park. What can be done about the pending Bills? We have discussed so many wonderful Bills, which are pending in the National Assembly. The Mental Health (Amendment) Bill, 2018, was sent to the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO), and it has been there for months. We have bills that have been pending in the PBO for months. It is not fair. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Senate is part of the legislative process in this country. We work hard and our secretariat does an amazing job; but our Bills are left pending in the National Assembly. I urge you to give a considered ruling on this matter. We can no longer sit and watch our hard work getting stuck in that House. I am an aggrieved Member of this House who produces content, as part of my roles under Article 96, that includes legislation. I need to give an answer to the people I represent on why the bills that they sent me to pass in this House are not being processed. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I kindly urge you to give us a ruling on this matter. Thank you."
}