[SENATE] Foreign Arms Tariff Act

[Flamelord]

Gentlemen, Brazil finds itself confronted with many growing problems, which threaten to take away the peace that has been so recently won in our beloved country. The first is the economic crisis that has swept the world, understandably this has had a major impact on our nation as well, and demands that we cope with it lest we be driven into ruin. The other is the lingering resentment of the civil war. I need not tell you of the devastation that it brought, and that no one wishes that same tragedy to be repeated.

Yet in spite of those beliefs, we have not seen a general move towards peace and reconciliation. Brazilian society remains as polarized as ever, and groups have increasingly militarized themselves for a renewed conflict that no one should wish to come to pass. I feel that this is a tragedy in the making, and something must be done before all our hard work comes crashing down again.

Of course, as we have seen in this esteemed body already any effort to demilitarize is likely to end in armed violence. But that does not mean that we cannot approach this from a different angle. And I believe that it is an angle which will also benefit the nation economically as well, providing needed profit in these turbulent times.

Whereas foreign trade is a major source of revenue for the federalk government, providing 57 credits this year alone in spite of the economic state of much of the world,

Whereas the continued militarization of elements of Brazilian society has taken place as a result of the influx of foreign armaments into the country, many military grade in nature,

Whereas efforts to implement demilitarization policies are unfeasible at this time,

• Section One. The Brazilian government will effect an increase in the tariff on sales of foreign military arms to non-government organizations and individuals operating in a private capacity, as well as military vehicles, by ten percent. This is subject to review by the Ministry of Finance, should they determine more significant increases are needed.
• Section Two. This includes, on a basis determined by the Ministry, to include artillery, mortars, automatic weapons, semi-automatic weapons, marksmen rifles, machine guns, anti-aircraft weaponry, grenades and other military explosives, and anything else determined by the Ministry of Finance to meet the relevant criteria.
• Section Three. The Foreign Ministry is directed to issue reassurances to foreign governments that other Brazilian tariffs on foreign goods will remain at their current levels, and shall not increase at this time in spite of the economic crisis.
• Section TFour. This Act will take effect the day after passage of this bill.

The Federal union Party is of the belief that this Act can only benefit the nation of Brazil, and we hope that all of you shall agree and pass it in short order.

[Zar]

The army would like to comment on this bill and on the crisis in general.

If the federal government is able to tariff these dangerous imports with ease, then it is hard to see why they cannot be banned completely in the first place. I'm also afraid that this tariff will legitimize the actions of many anti-social groups. Given enough money, perhaps from foreign sources, a militant group could buy anything they desire. The revenue gained from this bill would be worthless if the existence of the state itself is placed in jeopardy.

Although the army is thankful that the legislature is finally considering internal threats, we ask that they act with greater force.

[Luc]

Sebastião do Rego Barros, President of the Chamber of Deputies

I would urge all delegates to continue debating or call this bill into vote, please.

[Flamelord]

The Federal Union Party will be frank in saying that we fail to see how this legitimizes violent action by militant groups. Nonetheless, we thank the Army for their input and hope to hear from the rest of the Chamber on this bill shortly.

[Luc]

Sebastião do Rego Barros, President of the Chamber of Deputies

Given the lack of debate, I will assume the house is ready to vote on this matter. Thus, I will officially begin an official vote on this bill.

[Flamelord]

The Federal Union Party (93) votes Yes on this bill

[Flaming Bolshevik]

The AIB (3) is in agreement with the Army and will vote no.

[Westar]

We take into consideration the army's concerns and hope that they are seen to in the future, however, we see this proposal as a vital step to what the army hopes for.

National Liberal Alliance (70) will vote in favour.

[Snacks]

The BLOC (2) will vote against.

[TRC]

The PLD (91) votes aye

[Smyg]

The PCB (4) votes in favour.

We are in favour for one reason: We need peace. The continued militarization of society, primarily by capitalist and fascist groups, is worrying.

We'd like to note that the PCB and associated organizations have not imported a single tool of war since the end of the civil war.

[Flaming Bolshevik]

The PCB (4) votes in favour.

We'd like to note that the PCB and associated organizations have not imported a single tool of war since the end of the civil war.

You don't need to import weapons to be violent.

[Smyg]

The PCB (4) votes in favour.

We'd like to note that the PCB and associated organizations have not imported a single tool of war since the end of the civil war.

You don't need to import weapons to be violent.

True, but it is the importation of weapons that is the issue at hand here.

[acecipher]

The Social Democratic Party (27) is in favor of this solution: It allows an avenue for stemming additional militarization of our situation without substantially interfering in the rights of everyday Brazilians. Even if further solutions will be needed to fully demilitarize the situation, we find this good as a sort of First Aid for the problem.

[Luc]

The Democratic Party (42) votes IN FAVOUR of this bill.

The Liberator Party (15) votes AGAINST this bill.

The Socialist Revolutionary Party (3) votes IN FAVOUR of this bill.