National News Postal bills scrape through Lower House

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Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's contentious postal privatization bills narrowly cleared the House of Representatives on July 5 as dozens of lawmakers in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) joined the opposition camp in voting against the legislation.

The bills to privatize Japan Post beginning in 2007 cleared the 480-seat chamber by five votes - 233 for and 228 against - and were sent to the House of Councilors.

Although the LDP, which Koizumi heads, and its coalition partner, New Komeito, have a combined majority of 284 seats in the Lower House, 37 LDP lawmakers voted against the bills and 14 others either abstained or boycotted the plenary session.

Opponents to the bills defied warnings from party elders they would be "severely disciplined" if they voted against the legislation.

Koizumi said he was "relieved" the bills cleared the Lower House but he also admitted the opposition within his party was "larger than expected."

Although the bills were immediately sent to the Upper House, the narrow victory indicates Koizumi will face an uphill battle in getting the legislation enacted before the current Diet session ends in mid-August. (The Japan Times)

郵政法案、きん差で衆院通過

5日の衆議院本会議で郵政民営化関連法案がきん差で可決された。

Shukan ST: July 15, 2005

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