US Congressional committees have approved three bills targeting sanctions against Myanmar’s military council. These bills include the No New Burma Funds Act, which aims to prevent financial resources from reaching the military council; the BRAVE Burma Act, which targets sanctions against businesses affiliated with the Myanmar military; and the Burma Genocide Accountability and Protection Act, which seeks to impose penalties on the Myanmar military for genocide and war crimes committed within the country.
The bills, approved on July 22 US time, include provisions for increased sanctions against state-owned enterprises connected to the military council, Myanmar Economic Bank, and foreign companies supplying aviation fuel. They also include measures to suspend Myanmar’s voting rights at the International Monetary Fund, provide humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees and internally displaced persons, and support justice and accountability for genocide and war crimes. The legislation further encompasses support for federal democratic transition involving all ethnic groups, blocking World Bank funding to the military council, and intercepting international financial institution transfers to the regime.
While these bills still need to pass both the House of Representatives and Senate for final approval, their unanimous approval by the congressional committees indicates a strong likelihood of becoming law. The legislation demonstrates America’s continued support for the Myanmar people’s struggle for democracy, justice, and humanitarian concerns, while actively working to cut off resources to the military council. The bills are expected to proceed through the legislative process after the congressional recess, with potential final approval coming in the autumn season. These measures reflect the United States’ commitment to standing with the Myanmar people and supporting their fight for democratic transition, justice, and liberation from military rule.
