Japan's House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved a bill that would create an agency to oversee reconstruction of areas hit by the March 11th earthquake and tsunami.

The chamber passed the bill on Tuesday, and sent it on to the House of Councilors for debate.

The proposed agency would set basic policies for reconstruction of the disaster zone, and coordinate efforts by other ministries and agencies.

A minister who would head the agency would be authorized to make recommendations to other Cabinet ministers.

If the ministers fail to follow the recommendations, the agency head could ask the prime minister to order them to act.

The proposed agency would have one minister and 2 senior vice ministers.

Source: http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20111206_20.html

Image credit: http://www.toledoblade.com/image/2011/03/14/800x600_b1cCM_cC/Japan-disaster-Minamisanriku-road.jpg