Thursday, December 15, 2011

Senate committee to debate 2012 Budget, Economic bills

The Senate's Treasury and Budget Committee will start discussing today a set of bills that include key proposals from the government such as the Budget for 2012, an extension on the Economic Emergency Law and the validity of check and cigarette taxes, which were psased yesterday by the Lower House after a seven-hour debate.

The bills are part of a package that the government hopes to have approved before the year is over. Former Cabinet Chief, head of the Treasury Committee Aníbal Fernández called for a meeting by the Treasury and Budget Committee early morning.

At noon, legislators will be handed a copy of bills and amendments approved by the Lower House yesterday. The Victory Front seeks to get senators informed today so the debate can reach its peak on Monday. Kirchnerites expect to have the Economic bills debated on December 21st.

Miguel Angel Pichetto, leader of Kirchnerites at the House, said they also expect to debate reforms on the Penal Tributary Law, money laundering bills, the rural working statute, and the controversial Ownership Bill that limits foreign investment on Argentine land next Thursday, December 22nd.

Several other Senate committees will also resume their activities today in an effort to approve major proposals considered key by the government.