The King Listens to the Replies of the Senate and House of Representatives to the Speech from the Throne

Al-Taj News – The Senate and the House of Representatives submitted, today, Wednesday, their replies to the Royal Speech from the Throne, delivered by His Majesty King Abdullah II on the second of this month at the opening of the third ordinary session of the twentieth Parliament.

President of the Senate Faisal Al-Fayez affirmed in the Senate’s reply to the Speech from the Throne, which he delivered at Raghadan Palace in the presence of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, that when the word comes from a leader carrying the history of a homeland, it constitutes a covenant and a responsibility, with which the Senate is a voice for the homeland, a trustee of the public interest, a support for state institutions against dangers, and a partner in building and modernization.

He added that the terrorist acts that targeted Jordan missed their mark, stating that they will not undermine the will and unity of Jordanians, as Jordan relies on a deeply rooted national doctrine and a people holding fast to their land, dignity, identity, and a trust they do not neglect.

Al-Fayez stressed that confronting terrorism is not achieved by weapons alone, but through societal cohesion and fortifying national awareness, valuing the efforts of the personnel of the Jordan Armed Forces – Arab Army and security agencies in protecting the homeland.

He also pointed out that the Senate is committed to performing its constitutional responsibilities, noting that disagreement that preserves the homeland is a virtue, criticism that corrects the path is a necessity, and dialogue that unites rather than divides is the path to mature political life.

Al-Fayez noted that it is the Senate’s duty to be an aid to every effort that accelerates the completion of major projects, removes obstacles before them, and ensures that their results reflect on the national economy and that their fruits reach the governorates and peripheries.

He affirmed that the Senate will give legislation and policies related to water special priority, and will support every effort that protects water resources, develops their infrastructure, and ensures their sustainability for future generations.

Al-Fayez stressed that the Senate will work to consolidate the culture of national dialogue, respect for other opinions, and distinguishing between freedom of expression and abuse, and between constructive criticism and attempts to undermine the state and its institutions.

For his part, Speaker of the House of Representatives Dr. Ibrahim Al-Tarawneh said that the treacherous hand of terrorism did not know the great people of Jordan, who rally more closely around their leader and banner when their security is targeted, and arm themselves with strength and steadfastness in times of adversity, affirming that the blood of the homeland’s martyrs is a renewed covenant that Jordan remains impervious to terrorism, and that the Armed Forces and security agencies remain the unbreakable shield of the homeland.

In this framework, Al-Tarawneh demonstrated that the House will proceed with reviewing legislation related to societal security, and studying necessary amendments that contribute to enhancing the ability of state institutions to confront terrorism and extremism, and consolidating the system of intellectual and moral immunity.

Al-Tarawneh noted that Jordanians differ in opinion without differing over the homeland, realizing that democracy grows stronger when opinions differ, and weakens when respect for the constitution is absent, responsibility is lost, and narrow interests prevail.

He added that the House will work on legislation that expands employment and production opportunities, and empowers youth and women, so that its impact appears across all parts of the homeland, pointing to the House’s continuation in carrying out its oversight role in this framework with full responsibility, including evaluating and holding policies and programs accountable according to actual results.

Al-Tarawneh affirmed that the dome of Parliament will be a title for behaviors reflecting the morals and noble values of Jordanians, noting that the House will work to consolidate parliamentary traditions whose first and last concern is winning the trust of Jordanians and achieving their aspirations.

Al-Tarawneh noted that the House will take legislative and oversight steps that enhance integrity and transparency and prevent the abuse of power, as the law is a single scale that does not tilt before names and positions, and here the fortress that protects the homeland and the balance by which rights and duties are set straight are formed.

He stressed that the House will be keen on safeguarding public freedoms and protecting the constitutional right to expression, and reviewing any legislation related to this right in a manner that achieves balance between citizen freedom, societal protection, and the rule of law.

The replies of both Houses to the Speech from the Throne were attended by His Royal Highness Prince Feisal bin Al Hussein, His Royal Highness Prince Hashim bin Al Hussein, His Royal Highness Prince Rashid bin El Hassan, His Royal Highness Prince Mired bin Ra’ad, Chief Chamberlain at the Royal Hashemite Court, Prime Minister Dr. Jafar Hassan, and a number of senior officials.