Government bills stall in year of congressional activism

2020 has been an important year for congressional activism in Brazil. Working remotely since March, lawmakers have prioritized legislation related to the Covid-19 pandemic, with roughly 46 percent of the 133 bills enacted by Congress being linked to the coronavirus crisis.

Among these proposals was the coronavirus emergency aid program, which was the result of a legal framework originating from a bill submitted by Congressman Eduardo Barbosa. Meanwhile, legislators secured the approval of other key proposals, such as the National Basic Education Fund (Fundeb), which was made a permanent policy in July.

However, 2020 has seen Congress largely fail to pass the government’s economic agenda, including reforms to the tax system and public service.

The lawmaking process for the approval of the coronavirus emergency benefit program is indicative of a long-term pattern of congressional activism that dates back to the early 2000s. The federal government initially proposed a monthly benefit of just BRL 200 (USD 39), but the lower house made its own proposal to raise payments to BRL 500. Under pressure and not wanting to be outdone by...