The president of the Chamber of Deputies, Alfredo Pacheco (PRM-National District) justified the travel of several legislators, including himself, to Madrid to be part of the Dominican delegation to the Fitur Travel Fair, from 18 to 22 January 2023. Pacheco said the legislators represented tourist provinces and regularly deal with bills related to the tourism industry. The Ministry of Tourism reportedly invited the legislators to Madrid.
Pacheco mentions that several of the legislators that are participating in Fitur are members of the Permanent Tourism Committee of the Chamber of Deputies. These include: deputy Omar Fernandez (National District – Fuerza del Pueblo), Eugenio Cedeño (PRM-La Romana), Juan Julio Campos Ventura (PLD-La Altagracia), and senator Rogelio Alfonso Genao Lanza (PRSC-La Vega).
Pacheco responded to criticism that the legislators were traveling when President Luis Abinader had just extended the legislative sessions for a month so that several pending bills could be voted on from 13 January to 15 February. The next regular legislative period starts on 27 February 2023.
President Luis Abinader has urged the legislators to pass the Aviation Bill with incentives for local airlines. Local airlines say the incentives are needed before the Civil Aviation Board (JAC) approves a new air agreement with the United States.
Pacheco also said that the legislators worked all throughout the Christmas holidays. He said that the work has not stopped at the Chamber of Deputies because the committees review the bills. He said work sessions resume on Wednesday, 25 January 2023, following a break for the Our Lady of High Grace holiday on Saturday, 21 January.
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Diario Libre
Hoy
El Caribe
DR1 News
18 January 2023