Protect Democracy in Burma Act of 2021

Floor Speech

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Mr. McCAUL. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, on February 1, Burma's military seized power yet again, ending 5 years of a flawed, but hopeful, democracy, and dragging Burma back into brutal military rule. Since that day, the world has watched horrified as pro-democracy protestors are met with brutal violence in the streets.

The Burmese military has used communications blackouts, curfews, and mass detentions to stifle opposition. They have used live ammunition against peaceful protestors. Hundreds have been killed and thousands detained. At the same time, the lead opposition to the Burmese military, the National League for Democracy, is facing further repression. NLD members have been rounded up and charged with baseless crimes, including NLD's leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.

Madam Speaker, that is why I am asking my colleagues to join me today in supporting this resolution. I really want to thank the chairman and Mr. Connolly of Virginia for bringing this bill forward, to make it clear that the United States of America condemns this coup. It encourages engagement with southeast nations to promote Burma's return to democracy.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support it, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. McCAUL. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Tenney).
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Mr. McCAUL. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, Members across the aisle share the same concerns about Burma's military coup, and the brutal human rights violations it has caused. This bill ensures that the United States of America's condemnation of this coup is a matter of record, and it asks the administration to report to Congress on this critical issue.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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