Rousseff's written answer to impeachment committee to be submitted this Monday

The deadline for President Dilma Rousseff to submit a written defense to the special committee of the Chamber of Deputies that is examining the impeachment proceedings against her ends this Monday (Apr. 4) with the last of the 10 regular sessions' count she has been allowed to answer the impeachment charges.

Once he has Rousseff's written statements, the rapporteur of the committee, Deputy Jovair Arantes, will draw up his motion with a recommendation on impeachment that will be voted by the committee, and then on the house floor. Rousseff's defense should be delivered this Monday afternoon by Attorney-General José Eduardo Cardozo, who will argue her case before the committee.

After that, the rapporteur of the committee will have five regular sessions of the Chamber of Deputies to draft a motion, which will be discussed and voted on by the committee members. Arantes said he is planning to present his recommendation for debate by Wednesday (6) or Thursday (7).

The rapporteur wants to make an early delivery because he anticipates committee members may request to see the report under advisement, and that could delay a vote by two sessions. It will take a majority of votes cast to approve the report, with a quorum of half of the committee plus one member—the committee is composed of 65 members.

After the committee vote, the case will be referred to the house floor to decide whether they will put the case up to the Senate for consideration—this would require the motion to be seconded by at least two-third majority of the 513 deputies, i.e. 342 favorable votes. Deputy Eduardo Cunha, the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, expects the debate and vote within the committee to take three days. This means a floor vote could take place before April 21.

Translated by Mayra Borges

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