Government tries to stall emergency aid talks in Congress

The Brazilian Senate has approved a constitutional amendment proposal earmarking BRL 44 billion (USD 7.8 billion) for a new iteration of the coronavirus emergency salary program. But the Bolsonaro administration is trying to delay the voting schedule in the House, fearful that lawmakers will jack up the value of the benefit and risk the government’s solvency. 

Emissaries of the Economy Ministry asked House Speaker Arthur Lira to delay debates on the proposal — which are scheduled for next week. They were told that “the council of party leaders will decide,” according to sources who took part in the discussions.

As it stands, the proposal would create multiple income brackets entitled to monthly payments ranging from BRL 125...