SAO PAULO, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- Brazilian lawmakers Wednesday approved a controversial amendment in the first round of voting on reforms to the nation's pension plan system.
Senators voted to approve the measure by more than a two-thirds majority during a late-day session. The vote had been postponed several times by party leaders who wanted to go over the details of the reform proposal.
The amendment will reduce pensions for some former federal employees who sometimes receive retirement benefits equal to or even greater than their working salaries.
Senators from Brazil's ruling Workers' Party received some help passing the bill from 13 opposition leaders who voted against party lines by approving the plan.
Solidarity among same-party lawmakers is crucial considering there are more than 20 political parties represented in the Congress.
