Brasília, September 2, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - With or without agreement, the tax reform bill will be placed on the floor of the Chamber for a vote tomorrow (3). This affirmation was made by the chief of the Presidential Civilian Advisory Staff, Minister José Dirceu, as he left a meeting with the president of the Chamber, Deputy João Paulo Cunha (PT-SP). "The ideal is with an agreement, but if there is no agreement, we shall put it up for a vote, since the essence of democracy is the vote. And the Chamber and the Senate are the houses of the people," he added.

According to the Minister, the Administration, the president of the Chamber, the Administration's parliamentary support base, and the opposition are all ready to vote this week on the proposed constitutional amendment for tax reform. But Dirceu made a point of highlighting his optimism over reaching an agreement with the governors. This agreement is being sought, he said, because there is an interest on the part of the Administration, "within the possibilities of the Federal Government."

The Minister confirmed that the extension of the "check tax" (CPMF) for four years, instead of indefinitely, is one of the questions open to negotiation. He recalled that other items are also being discussed, among them the "lock" requested by businessmen in order to guarantee that there will be no increase in the tax burden. As well as a provision that, in the case of fiscal legislation, the government will submit bills to Congress, instead of using temporary executive orders. This means that Congressional approval will be required, whereas decisions made by temporary executive orders take effect immediately. (DAS)