The Brazilian Congress convened a joint session on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 10:00 [1] to vote on a presidential veto regarding sentence reductions.

The outcome of this vote determines whether individuals convicted in the Jan. 8, 2023, attacks will see their penalties lowered. A reversal of the veto would potentially benefit former President Jair Bolsonaro, who faces legal consequences related to the events.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva issued the veto against the "dosimetria" bill, which sought to decrease the punishments for those involved in the attempted coup [3]. "Não podemos reduzir penas para atos de golpe," Lula said [2].

Senator Davi Alcolumbre, President of the National Congress, pushed for the session to occur as quickly as possible [2]. Alcolumbre said that the potential removal of the veto would allow for a reduction in the punishment applied to Bolsonaro [4].

The joint session of the Senate and Chamber of Deputies in Brasília serves as the final legislative hurdle for the bill [1, 4]. While some reports previously suggested a March timeframe for the analysis, the session was officially scheduled for April 30 [1].

Legislators are now weighing the balance between judicial severity and political reconciliation. The 2023 attacks saw thousands storm government buildings in an effort to overturn election results, leading to widespread convictions, and prison sentences.

“"Não podemos reduzir penas para atos de golpe"”

This vote represents a critical tension between the executive and legislative branches over the rule of law following the 2023 unrest. If Congress overrides the veto, it signals a legislative willingness to grant leniency to right-wing figures, potentially undermining the judiciary's efforts to deter future attempts to destabilize Brazil's democratic institutions.