Chavez seeks power to rule by decree for 1 year

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101215/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_venezuela_chavez

Chavez seeks power to rule by decree for 1 year


By FABIOLA SANCHEZ, Associated Press Fabiola Sanchez, Associated Press – Tue Dec 14, 10:16 pm ET
CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez asked congress Tuesday to grant him special powers to enact laws by decree for one year, just before a new legislature takes office with a larger contingent of opposition lawmakers.

The measure, which quickly received initial approval from the overwhelming majority of pro-Chavez lawmakers, would give the president the authority to bypass the National Assembly for the fourth time since he was first elected almost 12 years ago.

Vice President Elias Jaua made the request on Chavez's behalf, saying the president will use the authorization to ensure fast-track approval of laws aimed at helping the nation recover from severe flooding and mudslides that left thousands homeless and in government shelters.

"The measures we have to take are deep. Almost 40 percent of the country was affected" by the heavy rains, Jaua said.

Must have rained a lot. So what does Congress do after it puts itself out of the picture, go on vacation for a year?