Legislative Progress: NPC briefs media on legislative priorities and budget supervision

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The first session of the 13th National People's Congress held its press conference on Monday. Lawmakers from various commissions briefed the media on their work answering questions on key issues such as the environment and the National Supervision Law. CGTN's Hou Na has more.

With air and soil pollution continuing to pose a challenge to the country, environmental protection is a priority for legislators at this year's National People's Congress.

LYU CAIXIA, MEMBER ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCES COMMISSION, NPC "We have answered people's calls in amending the environmental law. Environment-related legislation has accounted for over 18 percent of the legislative work of the 12th NPC."

Meanwhile, the draft Supervision Law that is expected to be adopted at the NPC session will define the responsibilities of the proposed national supervisory commission which will intensify China's anti-corruption campaign.

WANG SHENGMING, DEPUTY DIRECTOR CIVIL AFFAIRS & JUSTICE COMMISSION, NPC "Deepening reforms in the national supervision system is a major political reform. We will further amend the criminal procedure law and other related laws to make supervisory bodies better coordinate with each other."

HOU NA BEIJING "In amending the law, the top legislature has made it a regular practice to solicit public opinion on draft legislation following both first and further readings. Over the past five years, 81 drafts were released for public comments. "

Apart from legislation, conducting supervision is another important function of the NPC Standing Committee. Liu Xiuwen, deputy director of the Budgetary Commission, answered questions from CGTN on budget supervision.

LIU XIUWEN, DEPUTY DIRECTOR NPC BUDGETARY COMMISSION "As one of our key functions, supervising the government's budget expenditure is one of our ways to strengthen the CPC and the Standing Committee. It is with great importance and significance."

Liu said the NPC should uphold the centralized leadership of the party's central committee in implementing plans and decisions, and make sure the government does not overspend and use funds for unproductive transactions. HOU NA, CGTN, BEIJING.