On July 24, the DPJ Standing Officers Council approved at its 559th meeting the issues regarding the enforcement of the party’s stipulations and resignation, which had been submitted by Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi. The details are as follows:

1) The departure of Members of the House of Councillors Yasue Funayama, Kuniko Tanioka, and Kuniko Koda, who submitted the letters of secession on July 17, were approved effective July 24 in the same manner as another 13 members of the House of Councillors who submitted the letters of secession earlier.

2) The DPJ will consult with the party’s Ethics Committee about expelling Member of the House of Representatives Hirosato Nakatsugawa as is the case with the 38 members of the House of Representatives who voted against the legislation related to the comprehensive reform of the social security and taxation systems on June 26. Nakatsugawa voted against the legislation and has been suspended from the DPJ membership for two months, however he submitted the letter of secession on July 18.