No New Burma Funds Act
Floor Speech
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Mr. DAVIDSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4423) to continue the pause on disbursements and new financing commitments to the Government of Burma, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 4423
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``No New Burma Funds Act''. SEC. 2. CONTINUATION OF PAUSE ON WORLD BANK DISBURSEMENTS AND COMMITMENTS TO BURMA.
The Secretary of the Treasury shall direct the United States Executive Director at the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development to use the voice and vote of the United States to continue the pause by the Bank on disbursements and the making of new financing commitments to the Government of Burma, that was initiated after a military coup overthrew the democratically elected Government of Burma in 2021, unless the Secretary of the Treasury determines that it is not in the national interest to do so.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4423, the No New Burma Funds Act. I thank the gentlewoman from Georgia (Ms. Williams) for sponsoring this bipartisan legislation.
I am pleased to note that this bill passed the Financial Services Committee unanimously by a vote of 54-0 in July of this year. That kind of agreement underscores the seriousness of the threat posed by Burma's military regime and the broad consensus that the United States must respond firmly.
The No New Burma Funds Act ensures that the United States will oppose any new World Bank financing that could benefit Burma's illegitimate military junta and supports international efforts to restore democratic governance.
Since the military overthrew the elected Burma Government in 2021, Congress has fought to hold Burma's military coup accountable and support the Burmese people in their struggle for freedom to restore their rightful voice in their own government.
Yet despite widespread global condemnation, the acting Government of Burma continues to entrench its power, exploit state resources, and suppress democratic aspirations of its citizens, all while seeking access to new streams of international financing.
The No New Burma Funds Act responds directly to this challenge by ensuring that the United States continues to use its full voice and vote at the World Bank to maintain a strict pause on disbursements in new financing commitments to the current government in control of Burma.
Supporting democratic movements, defending human rights, and advancing stability in Southeast Asia are in our American interest. When international institutions inadvertently enable authoritarian regimes through new financing, our credibility suffers, and in this case the Burmese people would pay the price.
By reaffirming and strengthening this pause, H.R. 4423 provides a responsible and targeted approach that prevents international funds from benefiting the current government and maintains the pressure applied following the 2021 coup.
This is a bipartisan, commonsense measure that upholds human rights, reinforces international accountability, and supports the long-term prospects of peace and democracy in Burma. I thank the bill's sponsor for her work on this legislation and commitment to standing with the people of Burma.
I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill and help send a clear message that the United States will not allow international financing that empowers brutal dictatorship or tyranny in Burma.
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Mr. DAVIDSON. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the CBO estimate for this bill. H.R. 4423, NO NEW BURMA FUNDS ACT, AS REPORTED BY THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL SERVICES ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ By fiscal year, millions of dollars-- ----------------------------------- 2026 2026-2030 2026-2035 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Direct Spending (Outlays)........... 0 0 0 Revenues............................ 0 0 0 Increase or Decrease (-) in the 0 0 0 Deficit............................ Spending Subject to Appropriation * * * (Outlays).......................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ * = between zero and $500,000.
Increases net direct spending in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2036? No.
Increases on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2036? No.
Statutory pay-as-you-go procedures apply? No.
Mandate Effects:
Contains intergovernmental mandate? No.
Contains private-sector mandate? No.
H.R. 4423 would require the United States Executive Director at the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development to advocate for a continued pause on disbursements and new financing commitments to the Government of Burma.
On the basis of information about the costs of similar diplomatic efforts to influence the actions of other nations and international organizations, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 4423 would cost less than $500,000 over the 2026-2030 period. Any spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.
The CBC staff contact for this estimate is Emma Uebelhor. The estimate was reviewed by Christina Hawley Anthony, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis. Phillip L. Swagel, Director, Congressional Budget Office.
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Mr. DAVIDSON. Mr. Speaker, for the reasons I explained earlier, I urge all of our colleagues to support this bill.
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Mr. DAVIDSON. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
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