Burma Unified Through Rigorous Military Accountability Act of 2022

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to represent New York's 22nd Congressional District, which is home to generations of Burmese refugees, dating back to the first family arriving in the early 2000s, and where nearly 5,000 Burmese refugees reside.

On February 1 of last year, Burma's military seized power in a violent coup, ending 5 years of flawed, but promising, democracy, dragging Burma back into a brutal military rule.

Over the last year, the world has watched in horror as the military targeted innocent Burmese men, women, and children. The latest estimates indicate that over 1,700 people have been murdered and more than 13,000 arrested by the junta.

In the face of this violence and repression, the resilience of the people of Burma is no less than inspiring. The legislation we are considering today is an important step forward in standing with the people of Burma and holding their perpetrators accountable.

The BURMA Act will impose mandatory sanctions on the military regime, as well as entities that continue to support it.

While the White House has begun to take steps to reimpose the sanctions regime that the former Democratic administration prematurely lifted, it is time that the Burmese military is again sanctioned as a matter of law, especially now that the United States has finally recognized that their crimes against the Rohingya amount to genocide.

Now, more than ever, I urge all to remain committed to the people of Burma's quest for democracy, for peace, and freedom, and to oppose this affront to human dignity.

I thank Chairman Meeks and Congressman Chabot for championing this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support this measure.

Mr. Speaker, America stands as free people against dictators and despots. It is part of our values, and it is an important signal to the world that the United States stands firm against autocrats, whether in Burma or Russia.

Last Friday, China's Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, showed the world how true this is. He met with his counterpart from the Burmese junta regime and said that the Chinese Communist Party would back the Tatmadaw ``no matter how the situation changes.''

We are at a critical point in history. Authoritarian regimes like China are partnering with their autocratic allies around the world to make the globe less free; to undermine human dignity and individual freedom; and to oppress those who stand up and have the courage to speak out as the Burmese people have. It is sickening, and it is one more reason why this legislation is so timely.

It is critical that America stands united in supporting the people of Burma and championing their fundamental human rights in the face of military oppression. I will continue to be a voice for this community as we fight to oppose this affront to the people of Burma's dignity and freedom and quest for peace.

I, once again, urge my colleagues to support this measure. I yield back the balance of my time.

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