ROME-Prime Minister Matteo Renzi’s government was defeated on Thursday over part of its bill to reform the Senate with 154 Senators in favour, 147 against and two abstentions.

 The Upper House voted to approve an amendment extending the responsibilities of the refurbished assembly.

 Renzi would like to see the Senate transform into a thinner assembly of local-government representatives with minimal law making powers to save money and make passing laws easier.