TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Cross-party negotiations on President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) defense special bill ended without agreement on core clauses, as lawmakers remained divided over procurement items and budget levels, Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) said Thursday.

Han convened negotiations among party caucuses, where lawmakers agreed on less contentious provisions such as budget execution rules and the implementation period, per CNA.

The draft bill had earlier passed initial committee review, including versions proposed by the Cabinet, the Taiwan People’s Party, and the KMT. Key provisions were left unresolved and referred to cross-party negotiations.

After nearly three hours of talks, Han said discussions were thorough but four provisions remained unsettled. He said parties were unable to bridge differences and urged further communication ahead of the next meeting scheduled for Monday, per Tai Sounds.

The talks approved provisions governing budget execution. The parties agreed that special budgets must be audited in accordance with the law, and any reallocation by authorities will require legislative approval.

The Ministry of National Defense will be required to oversee implementation and submit regular progress and performance reports to the legislature. It must also deliver a final evaluation report by the end of May in the year after the act expires.

Lawmakers agreed the act and its special budget will run from promulgation through Dec. 31, 2033. Extensions may be granted with legislative approval if projects remain incomplete.