In a victory for the Jair Bolsonaro government and Arthur Lira (PP-AL), the plenary of the House approved, in the second round, the basic text of the PEC do Calote, which limits the payment of court orders.
There were 323 votes in favour, 15 more than the 308 needed to make changes to the Constitution.
The measure will now go to the Senate, where it should find more difficulties, according to the president's assessment.
The constitutional amendment became a priority of the Executive to guarantee the social aid of R$ 400, from December until the end of 2022, the year in which Bolsonaro seeks re-election. Under the proposal, around R$90 billion (US$ 16 billion) will be released in expenses next year.
Among the attempts at change overturned by the government, there was a highlight from the MDB, rejected by 316 votes, which aimed to change a crucial point in the text that circumvents the spending ceiling, a rule that vetoes high spending above inflation.
The opposition and other parties opposed to the measure stated that the government's intention is not restricted to Auxílio Brasil, citing the expansion of parliamentary amendments under Lira's control, which would increase bargaining power over Congress.
To start the aid next month, Planalto expects the PEC to be enacted by the Legislature within two weeks.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon