Overview
- The upper chamber approved the spending plan 46–25 with one abstention, making the 2026 budget law after two years without a formal budget.
- In the article-by-article vote, Chapter II passed with 42 votes, repealing mandatory floors of 6% of GDP for education and a 1% target for science and technology.
- The governing coalition celebrated the result as a political victory, while officials argued universities keep funding with 4.72 trillion pesos allocated and disability payments slated for updates.
- Opposition senator Lucía Corpacci denounced the measure, warning of a reduced state role and citing projected real cuts in health programs, including INCUCAI and mental health, as well as risks for public universities.
- Some pro-government senators split their votes, with Flavio Fama backing the overall bill but rejecting Chapter II over discretionary controls on university transfers and the removal of protections for science and technical training.