While Congress has “officially” resumed its duties, not much is likely to get done over the next few months because Deputies and Senators are caught up in the 2008 presidential elections. This means that many important bills and projects that need approval will be tabled until there are enough officials present to vote. Hoy quotes Chamber of Deputies president Julio Cesar Valentin who said that, “during electoral periods there tends to be a decrease in legislative activities because officials are at the center of the electoral battle”. He added that the challenge for the Chamber is to get as much done as possible. Asked if it wasn’t illegal for Deputies to be absent from work, Valentin commented that it is customary for officials to ask for flexibility in the months leading up to elections, adding that it happens in governments around the world. Valentin asked for people to be sensible, saying that during March Deputies will work normally, but that during April, as Election Day approaches, Deputies would take breaks to take part in campaign events. Some of the pending bills are the transfer of RD$162 million from 389 NGOs to official institution and recognized civil organizations. The creation of the post of Ombudsman (seven years in waiting), modification of the Penal Code, bills supporting small and medium-sized businesses (PYMES), anti-corruption legislation, creation of a sex offender registry, competitiveness legislation, motorbike taxi regulations, parking lot responsibility at shopping centers, creation of an arbitration law and the bill that will create the Tourism Development Institute.