PLD deputies of the ruling political party are calling on President Danilo Medina to take the first step in seeking the modification of the state’s contract with Barrick Gold, in recognition that the Chamber of Deputies can only make recommendations on the contract. Despite the fact, according to El Nuevo Diario, that the Constitution authorizes the Chamber of Deputies to “monitor” the contract, they are not “authorized” to revise or review any agreement between the government and companies. Deputy Gustavo Sanchez told reporters that while the National Congress has the authority to approve or disapprove contracts, they do not have the authority to “modify contracts.”