Bipartisan Bill Would Authorize More Myanmar Sanctions
A new bill with bipartisan support would authorize more U.S. sanctions against those responsible for the military coup and subsequent human rights abuses in Myanmar. The Burma Unified through Rigorous Military Accountability Act of 2021 also would require the State Department to designate an official to coordinate U.S. sanctions against Myanmar and push for more multilateral sanctions among allies.
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“Despite diplomatic pressure from the United States and the international community, the Burmese military has refused to cease its violence, release those unjustly detained, or participate in meaningful dialogue with local stakeholders,” said Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., who plans to introduce the bill in the House along with Rep. Steve Chabot, R-Ohio. The bill also has support from Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md. “The United States must do more to support and protect the Burmese people and send a clear signal to the Burmese military,” Meeks said Oct. 5.
The bill would require President Joe Biden to impose sanctions against entities that operate in Myanmar’s defense sector, or contribute to policies that threaten the country’s peace, security or stability and more. It also would require the president to submit a certification to Congress before removing people or entities sanctioned under the bill from the Treasury Department’s Specially Designated Nationals List. The U.S. has already sanctioned a range of people connected to the Myanmar military (see 2107020028) and added Myanmar entities to the Commerce Department’s Entity List (see 2107020003).