The Chamber of Deputies has postponed the approval of the 2011 National Budget until Friday in order to include an addendum sent by the Presidency. The addendum will add RD$150 million for the construction of the Monte Grande dam. While it holds the majority in the Senate, the bill in a first reading in the Chamber of Deputies did not receive two-thirds of the majority needed to approve the budget.
Meanwhile, 7dias.com.do reports that the Senate approved the bill that orders the Minister of Hacienda to secure a loan for RD$750 million from the government Banco de Reservas to pay the Christmas wage in municipal councils and decentralized government departments.