Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding passage of the Burma Act:
“The defense bill impacts a huge number of America’s efforts for good around the world that don’t always make top headlines. For example, I’m glad this NDAA makes headway on behalf of the people of Burma, and the decades-long struggle for democracy in that country, which I’ve been proud to support throughout my career.
“Since Burma’s military junta launched a coup in early 2021, the country has plunged deeper into catastrophe.
“More than 1 million people displaced. Sham trials and summary executions. The extrajudicial torture and murder of many more. Indiscriminate shelling and air strikes against ethnic villages.
“Burma’s former leader – and my good friend – Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is reportedly being held in solitary confinement following a sham trial at the hands of her deposers. And in the absence of strong international condemnation, the junta is literally getting away with murder.
“When Secretary Blinken visited Southeast Asia this summer, I called for less talk and more action. The people of Burma don’t have the luxury of waiting around for American assistance.
“Now, with the passage of the Burma Act as part of this year’s NDAA, Congress is stepping up where the Administration has dithered.
“This landmark bill mandates sharp sanctions against senior Tatmadaw officials and the state-owned businesses that keep their coffers full.
“It compels the Administration to make decisions about whether and how to unravel the junta’s lucrative grip on Burma’s energy sector.
“It codifies U.S. support for organizations that actually represent Burma’s people and authorizes new engagement with ethnic organizations that are defending the people against the brutal hand of the Tatmadaw, as well as new non-lethal and humanitarian assistance for society organizations.
“It directs the President to improve coordination with America’s allies and partners to increase pressure on Burma’s illegitimate leaders and direct support to Burma’s people.
“But Congress can only do so much through the legislative process.
“The ball is now in the Biden Administration’s court, and time is ticking away.
“Russia and other bad actors are actively courting the junta. The ongoing humanitarian disaster in Burma is already spilling over into neighboring countries.
“Congress has given President Biden the tools to institute sweeping sanctions against our adversaries and generous aid for our friends.
“It’s now up to the President to use them.”