Freezes of submarine budget proposed
PROTOTYPE PLANS: KMT lawmakers who proposed freezes criticized one by a DPP legislator, saying it was doubtful that Washington would grant export permits
By Aaron Tu and Jake Chung / Staff reporter, with staff writer
It is the legislature’s job to oversee and, if necessary, freeze budgets, Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Johnny Chiang (江啟臣) said yesterday after criticism that Taiwan’s indigenous submarine development was being hindered by legislators calling for funds to be withheld.
Citing concerns over export licenses and blueprint designs, lawmakers from across party lines have pushed for a motion to freeze a portion of the budget for the submarine project, which has been earmarked to receive NT$10.51 billion (US$368.69 million) for construction of a prototype.