Heated discussions are going on in the Lower House Budget Committee. The committee's main task is to deliberate on the fiscal 2009 budget, which will play an important role in pulling the Japanese economy out of the current recession. But traditionally the Budget Committee also deals with diplomatic and other issues.

Prime Minister Taro Aso may dissolve the Lower House and hold a snap election this spring following the enactment of the fiscal 2009 budget. At the latest, a Lower House election will be held in autumn because Lower House members' current terms will expire in September.

Therefore, it is logical for opposition forces to focus their attack against the government in Budget Committee discussions. As a Lower House election nears, it will be important for both the ruling and opposition parties to present their policy agenda through Diet deliberations. They should not forget that the voters who hope to make a proper judgment at election time want the political parties to explain their policy measures clearly.