Opposition in the Senate prepares to occupy new permanent committees

After negotiations started in February between the president of the Senate, Rodrigo Pacheco (PSD-MG), and the leaders of the opposition, a draft resolution by the Board of Directors was approved in plenary session on Tuesday (6th), establishing the creation of three new permanent committees in the House.

The goal is to restructure the legislative process of the Senate according to the new configuration of the Esplanada dos Ministérios and, mainly, to open command vacancies for the opponents, who were excluded from all 15 existing collegiate bodies after Pacheco’s reelection, defeating the leader of the opposition, Rogério Marinho (PL-RN).

It was agreed that minority proportionality would be respected with new positions for presidents and vice presidents of bodies, with access to new positions of commissioned advisors.

Based on changes to the Internal Regulations, the Communication (CCom), Sport (CESP) and Defense of Democracy (CDD) commissions were created, dismembering two existing commissions, Science, Technology, Innovation, Communication and Information Technology (CCT). and Education, Culture and Sport (CE). According to the report presented by Senator Eduardo Gomes (PL-TO), the new commissions will also have special functions.

The Communication commission will be primarily responsible for national policy in the sector, covering social networks, postal services, press and artificial intelligence. She will also deal with regulation, control and ethical issues related to communication.

The Sports Commission will address the national plan for physical and sports education, sports justice and related matters.

Finally, the unprecedented Commission for the Defense of Democracy will aim to address issues such as freedom of expression, demonstration and the press, in addition to defending the constitutional order, combating terrorism and dealing with the use of national symbols, among other matters.