The ruling bloc rammed two security bills through a special committee of the Lower House on Wednesday — amid a chorus of yelling opposition lawmakers — clearing a critical step toward the enactment of legislation that would expand the scope of Self-Defense Forces' missions overseas.

During Wednesday's session, opposition lawmakers mobbed committee chairman Yasukazu Hamada of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and tried to halt the voting procedure.

But amid the clamor, ruling lawmakers stood up to show their support for the bills, and Hamada declared that the legislation was passed.