By E. J. Nathaniel Daygbor
The House of Representatives is grappling with a significant cash shortage, having exhausted its share of the national budget within the first eight months of the 2025 budget year.
After the legislature allocated itself a portion of the $880 million budget approved in January, internal allocations have left the chamber scrambling for funds to pay salaries and running expenses.
Following the approval of the $880 million budget in January, the legislature gave itself $44.3 million. Within this amount, the House was allotted $25.69 million. Of this, Speaker Richard Koon’s office received $1.5 million, while Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah was allocated $1.28 million. Senate President Pro Tempore Madam Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence was assigned $1.2 million.
With five months remaining in the fiscal year (ending December), the House leadership through Speaker Koon and the Chairman of the House Committee on Ways, Means, Finance, and Budget, Representative P. Mike Jurry of Maryland County District #1 is seeking permission from the Executive to recast the national budget. The aim is to unlock new funding through revenue-generated adjustments.
If a budget recast is not approved, lawmakers and staff may not receive salaries or fuel allocations for the remainder of the year. A source familiar with the matter told Oracle News Daily that funds have already run dry.
The crisis is already manifesting in palpable public indicators, including grounded buses used to transport House staff, reportedly due to fuel shortages.
About two weeks ago, lawmakers received what appeared to be their last quarterly gasoline allocations from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, leaving staff without corresponding relief.
Speaker Richard Koon has been tight-lipped on the matter. Requests for comment via WhatsApp were acknowledged but did not yield a confirmation or denial.
James Kolleh, Bong County Representative and Chairman of the Committee on Rules, Orders, and Administration, has publicly downplayed concerns about staff welfare, adding another layer to the unfolding dispute over resource allocation and accountability.
It remains unclear whether Speaker Koon and Deputy Speaker Fallah—who operate under separate budget lines—will be affected by the financial crisis, or how the recast process will alter budgeting across the chamber.
The situation highlights broader questions about budget discipline, oversight, and the equitable distribution of limited resources within the legislative branch.
A budget recast, if approved, could provide a pathway to restore funding through revised revenue projections or reallocated appropriations. Without it, the immediate risk is disruption to essential services, payment of salaries, and day-to-day operations well into the latter part of the year.
