The Chamber of Deputies approved on Thursday the 1998 National Budget bill. The bill was passed with the vote of the Partido Revolucionario Dominicano (PRD) and the Acuerdo de Santo Domingo deputies, as well as those representing the government party, the Partido de la Liberación Dominicana (PLD). Partido Reformista Social Cristiano (PRSC) deputies abandoned the session. They sought to include a chapter for RD$500 million in the bill in order to pay arrears with contractors of public works during the Balaguer government. The senators had said they would not pass the bill if the deputies made modifications. Originally, the government had announced pacts were made with the Chamber of Deputies and the Senators to pass the bill. At last minute, however, the PRSC deputies refused to vote in favor of the bill. The bill now passes to a second reading to be held on Monday, 22 December. If Congress does not approve the bill, as occurred with the 1997 budget, the nation will again operate with the 1996 budget. This means the Executive Branch will be able to use at its discretion over RD$14,000 million.
