CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia – Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon has challenged Citizens Movement for Change (CMC) Political Leader Musa Hassan Bility and members of the House of Representatives to seek legal redress if they believe the Liberian Senate is overstepping its authority by conducting separate public hearings on the US$1.2 billion draft national budget for FY 2026.
By Obediah Johnson
Recent weeks have seen rising tension between the Senate and House over which chamber has the constitutional authority to host budget hearings. Representative Bility has repeatedly accused the Senate of violating the Constitution by allegedly usurping functions assigned to the House.
Senate Not Violating Constitution — Dillon
In an interview at the Capitol Building on Tuesday, Senator Dillon insisted the Senate’s actions are lawful and do not obstruct the House’s work.
He acknowledged that the House holds “original jurisdiction” to pass revenue and budget bills but emphasized that the legislative process does not end there.
“The Constitution is clear,” he said. “The budget originates in the House, and the Senate concurs — with the right to propose amendments. The Senate does not have exclusive authority, but neither does the House.”
He noted that by law and precedent, draft budgets are always sent to both chambers simultaneously by the President.
Why Separate Hearings?
For years, the House and Senate have held joint budget hearings. However, Senator Dillon explained that disagreements over the scheduling of witnesses prompted the Senate to proceed independently this year.
“Joint hearings were meant to expedite the process,” Dillon said. “We are not responsible for people’s misunderstanding of the law.”
He argued that the Senate’s separate hearings ensure transparency and allow the public to better understand budgetary allocations — something he said joint hearings have often failed to achieve.
On Bility’s Attacks
Responding to criticisms from Representative Bility, Senator Dillon said, “All that noise he’s causing — Musa loves the court. Let him go to court.”
He recalled a similar dispute in 2021 when the House took the Senate to the Supreme Court over passage of a concession agreement. The Court ruled in favor of the Senate.
Dillon also clarified that conducting separate hearings is not new, citing precedents under former Pro Tempore Albert Chie.
Opening the Budget to Public Scrutiny
Senator Dillon said the Senate intends to expose inconsistencies and highlight institutions that are performing or underperforming.
“The Senate is opening this book,” he declared. “This will help dispel allegations of budget tampering.”
He reiterated that the Senate intends to play its “elderly role” in ensuring the fiscal envelope is thoroughly reviewed and urged the media to report accurately.
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