Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, addressing the opening of the second session of the 55th Legislature, outlined a focused agenda for the Senate’s first three months of 2025. Extending New Year greetings, she commended her colleagues for the collaborative efforts that marked the Senate’s achievements in the previous year.
In her address, Karnga-Lawrence, the first female Senate Pro Tempore in Liberia’s history, detailed the Senate’s performance in 2024. The body passed 27 pieces of legislation, including 18 ratifications, three amendments, and six new laws, while confirming 996 government nominees. She acknowledged, however, that 40 critical bills remain under review in committee rooms and pledged to prioritize their passage during the first quarter of the year.
She announced that all Senate committees must submit weekly progress reports beginning January 21, 2025, warning that non-compliance would lead to the establishment of ad-hoc committees or a Committee-of-the-Whole to expedite legislative work. Among the pending legislation are proposed amendments to the Liberia Tourism Authority Act, the Liberia Technical and Vocational Education and Training Commission Act, and the Presidential Transitional Act of 2024.
The Pro Tempore emphasized the Senate’s oversight responsibilities, directing committees to intensify monitoring of government programs and budgets. The Ways, Means, and Finance Committee was tasked with obtaining quarterly disbursement reports from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, while the Committee on Public Works was instructed to present a comprehensive review of road construction projects. Similarly, the Committee on Energy and Environment was directed to finalize an evaluation with the Liberia Electricity Corporation regarding power supply to the Capitol Building.
Karnga-Lawrence also highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at improving governance and transparency within the Senate. She reported progress on implementing recommendations from the General Auditing Commission, including advancements in procurement, financial reporting, and operational planning. She committed to completing half of the planned reforms by mid-2025.
Staff welfare received significant attention, with the Pro Tempore noting improvements such as the provision of transportation for staff, the initiation of health insurance schemes, and the retirement of 43 long-serving employees with financial packages. Infrastructure modernization efforts include installing solar-powered streetlights around the Capitol, renovating the original Senate chambers, and planning a modern CCTV surveillance system to bolster security.
Professional development for Senate staff remains a priority, with training programs in governance, financial management, and legislative operations underway. Consultants have been engaged to design a five-year strategic plan aimed at transforming the Senate into a model legislative institution.
Karnga-Lawrence also addressed recent controversies, cautioning against actions that disrupt Senate operations. She criticized an unauthorized press conference by certain staff members, describing it as misleading, and urged adherence to proper channels for addressing grievances.
She concluded her address by expressing condolences to the families of prominent figures, including late Senators Sumo Kupee, Prince Y. Johnson, and Joyce Musu Freeman-Sumo, as well as former Vice President John D. Gray and former Senate Pro Tempore Cletus Segbe Wotorson. A condolence book for the late Senator Prince Y. Johnson was opened at the Capitol.
With a clear vision for legislative progress and institutional reforms, Pro Tempore Karnga-Lawrence’s leadership sets a determined tone for the Senate’s agenda in 2025. As she affirmed, “Together, we can build a Senate that serves the interests of the people and upholds the principles of democracy.”