By Yekehzie Zwuogbaē
The House of Representatives has begun reviewing a proposal that would provide vehicles for all 73 Chiefs of Office Staffs serving members of the 55th Legislature.
Each of the vehicles is estimated to cost US$15,000, bringing the total expenditure to about US$1.09 million.
At its sitting on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, the House Plenary referred the proposal to the Committee on Ways, Means and Finance.
The Committee will work with the House Leadership to determine whether the plan is practical, and justified before reporting back with its findings.
The proposal was contained in a joint communication from Representatives Michael Thomas, Prince A. Toles, Prescilla A. Cooper and Alex J. Grant. The lawmakers cited growing logistical problems faced by their respective Chiefs of Office Staff, who they said, are “struggling to meet official obligations due to transportation difficulties.”
The lawmakers said their Chiefs of Office Staff act as key deputies to them; coordinating office activities, and representing them at various functions.
The communication added that the use of public transportation often delays official duties, and disrupts smooth coordination between legislative offices.
Plenary later endorsed the request for further review, giving the committee the authority to analyze the proposal and advise accordingly.
Meanwhile, the proposal has faced strong criticisms from many Liberians, who described its proponents as selfish, budget feast, and greedy individuals, who are “insensitive to the struggles of their constituents.”