Budget talks have stagnated as government negotiators and congressmen discuss the inclusion of a chapter for the completion of the Plaza de la Salud medical center and additional funds for the payment of the domestic debt. Other issues that have brought about an impasse are the assignation of RD$5,000 million for the purchasing of expendable materials by government departments. Congressmen dispute that this allotment was RD$1,700 million in 1997. Another obstacle for the approval of the budget is the RD$85 million increase requested by the Chamber of Deputies to cover the expenditures generated by the 29 additional deputies that will be elected next May 1998 and will begin work in August 1998. PRD Senator for the National District, Milagros Ortiz Bosch, appeared optimistic that agreements would be reached so that the budget can be approved before the Christmas holiday. President of the Senate, Amable Aristy Castro also foresees the budget will be passed this year.
