Clashes Erupt Outside Argentine Congress as Milei Pushes Labor Reform

The **Argentine National Congress** (Congreso de la Nación) is Argentina's bicameral legislative body, comprising the **Chamber of Deputies** (257 members, elected for four-year terms with half renewed biennially) and the **Senate** (72 members, three per province and Buenos Aires).[1][2][3] It wields core powers to enact laws, approve the national budget, oversee the executive through audits and reports, and handle bills via committees on finance, foreign affairs, human rights, justice, and social development.[1][2][4] Established by the **1853 Constitution**—modeled on the U.S. system but with stronger federal executive powers—the Congress gained its iconic neoclassical Palace in Buenos Aires in 1906, designed by Victor Meano using local granite.[1][4][6] Minor reforms followed, including 1994 amendments allowing popular initiatives, direct presidential elections, and a third senator per province for minorities, enhancing democratic balance.[1][6] Key achievements include legislative oversight amid Argentina's turbulent history, from post-independence consolidation in 1816 to modern reforms on labor, pensions, taxes, and judicial appointments.[2][5][6] Its committees drive policy expertise, preventing jurisdictional overlaps despite proliferation.[1] As of late 2025 elections, President Javier Milei's **La Libertad Avanza** coalition holds 64 Deputy seats (up to 93 with allies, securing veto-proof strength) and 19 Senators, short of majorities, fostering negotiations on the **2026 budget**, reforms, and decrees.[5] This dynamic positions Congress as a pivotal arena for economic stabilization in Latin America's third-largest economy, blending tradition with urgent business-tech debates like digital regulation and innovation funding.[7][8] Housed in the Legislative Block, it symbolizes federal republicanism, drawing global interest for its role in checks, balances, and Argentina's political evolution.(29

The **United States Senate** includes several key committees critical to business and technology policy, notably the *Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship* and the *Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation*. These committees play pivotal roles in shaping legislation that impacts small businesses, innovation, technology development, and commerce nationwide. The **Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship** advocates for small businesses by overseeing the Small Business Administration (SBA), which provides capital access, education, technical assistance, and federal contracting opportunities to small enterprises. This committee’s historical role has been to ensure the vitality of small businesses, which are essential to the American economy. Recent efforts include bipartisan reforms targeting SBA program efficiency, fraud prevention related to pandemic aid, and support for entrepreneurship in underserved communities. They also focus on programs like the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), which connect federal agencies with private entrepreneurs to accelerate research and development in critical tech areas, thereby maintaining U.S. technological leadership[1][4][5][8]. The **Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation** is one of the largest Senate committees, overseeing broad sectors including consumer protection, economic development, manufacturing, trade, science, and transportation infrastructure. It addresses emerging technologies, environmental issues like climate change, and space exploration, both government-funded and private. This committee significantly influences national business practices, product safety, competitiveness, and innovation ecosystems, affecting industries from maritime to digital technology[2][7]. Notable recent activities include Senate hearings on Big Tech antitrust and competition policies, emphasizing the need to regulate dominant technology firms to foster innovation and protect consumers and workers. This aligns with broader legislative efforts addressing artificial intelligence and technological competitiveness in 2025[6][10]. In summary, the Senate’s organizational structure and committees serve as crucial instruments in shaping U.S. business and technology landscapes. Through oversight, legislation, and reform initiatives, they support small businesses, promote innovation

## Overview of the Chamber of Deputies The **Chamber of Deputies** is a key legislative body found in many countries, typically serving as the lower house in a bicameral parliament. Its primary function is to represent the citizenry, debate and pass laws, oversee government actions, and control the national budget[3][5]. The specific powers, structure, and electoral systems of Chambers of Deputies vary by country, but they generally play a central role in shaping national policy and ensuring governmental accountability. ## Historical Context The concept of a Chamber of Deputies dates back to the 19th century, emerging in countries like France, Italy, and Brazil as part of democratic reforms. For example, Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies was established with the adoption of its republican constitution in 1891, while Italy’s Chamber was formed after the unification of Italy in the 1860s. These bodies were designed to give citizens a direct voice in governance, moving away from autocratic or colonial systems[1]. Over time, electoral processes have evolved—such as Mexico’s transition from a no-reelection rule (1917–2015) to allowing up to three consecutive terms for deputies[6]. ## Functions and Achievements Chambers of Deputies are responsible for **lawmaking**, **budget approval**, and **executive oversight**[5]. They often work in tandem with an upper house (Senate), but in some countries, like Italy, both houses have nearly identical powers—a system known as “perfect bicameralism”[7]. Key achievements include the passage of landmark legislation, constitutional amendments, and the establishment of checks and balances on executive power. For instance, the Mexican Chamber of Deputies played a pivotal role in transitioning from a one-party system to a more pluralistic democracy in the late 20th century[6]. ## Organizational Structure Internally, Chambers of Deputies are highly structured. Brazil’s Chamber, for