Senate holds first ordinary session of the year

The first Upper House ordinary session of the year began with caring words for the people of Japan and continued with the debate of non-controversial issues. Senators preliminary approved the bill that eliminates the payment of non-remunerative allocations in the salaries of private sector workers, but excludes public employees.

The bill was presented by Radical Party Senator Eugenio “Nito” Artaza and supported by Labour Minister Carlos Tomada and by the pro-government lawmaker and CGT attorney, Héctor Recalde.

The Senate also unanimously approved a bill that sanctions those companies that apply hydrocarbon exploration activities in the Argentine sea platform. The law targets British oil companies that work with hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation in the Malvinas Islands area.

Senators preliminary approved the bill that modifies the Credit Cards Law, which will establish an item in the monthly statement that will settle the amount of dues are left to be paid in credit transactions. The initiative adds a subsection in the Article 23 of the Law.

Other topics that senators discussed include the creation of a special Upper House's bloc integrated by female senators only. This new bloc is meant to defend women's rights, and promote gender egalitarianism as well women's autonomy.

During the session, Lawmakers paid homage to late Senate’s secretary Juan José Canals, who passed away on March 3. The Upper House of Congress will decide who will replace the Senator in the March 30 session.