国际英语新闻:Brazilian Senate approves social security reform bill in first-round vote

RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Brazilian Senate on Tuesday approved a bill in first-round vote for social security system reform, which includes raising the minimum retirement age and increasing workers' pension contributions.

As a constitutional amendment proposal, the bill passed by a vote of 56 to 19 in the Senate -- above a majority of two thirds, or 49 votes required.

So far, the Senators approved the bill's basic text, and are expected to continue the voting session to decide on its specific points.

The federal administration estimates that the reform may help the government to save 876 billion reals (210 billion U.S. dollars) over the next decade.

The bill was already approved in the House of Representatives and a second Senate vote is expected to be held over the next weeks.

Because the bill amends the country's constitution, it requires two rounds of votes in each of the congressional houses.