[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 97 (Thursday, June 12, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5632-S5633]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. McCONNELL (for himself, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. McCain, Mr. 
        Biden, Mr. Allard, Mr. Bennett, Mr. Bunning, Mr. Burr, Ms. 
        Cantwell, Mrs. Clinton, Mr. Coleman, Mrs. Dole, Mr. Durbin, Mr. 
        Ensign, Mr. Feingold, Mr. Isakson, Mr. Leahy, Mr. Martinez, Mr. 
        Menendez, Ms. Murkowski, Mr. Smith, Ms. Snowe, Mr. Sununu, Mr. 
        Whitehouse, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Bingaman, and Mr. Brown):
  S.J. Res. 41. A joint resolution approving the renewal of import 
restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 
2003; to the Committee on Finance.
  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Burmese Freedom 
and Democracy Act. This legislation continues the sanctions that are 
already in place against the illegitimate

[[Page S5633]]

ruling Burmese regime, the State Peace and Development Council, or 
SPDC.
  Last month, the whole world got a close look at the SPDC's contempt 
for human life when a devastating cyclone hit Burma. No one can say 
with certainty what the full toll of death and destruction is from the 
storm--but we do know the junta greatly compounded matters through 
inaction and its utter disregard for the Burmese people.
  The SPDC severely restricted the entry of relief workers into the 
country. Four U.S. Navy ships carrying much-needed supplies for the 
Burmese people were turned away time and again by the regime.
  Estimates put as many as 135,000 people dead or missing after the 
cyclone hit on May 3, and many of those deaths must lie at the feet of 
the SPDC for its outrageous acts of criminal neglect.
  These sanctions, if enacted, would make clear to the SPDC that the 
United States continues to stand squarely with the long-suffering 
people of Burma and against the morally bankrupt junta.
  This bill is the same legislation the Senate has passed in prior 
years. If enacted, it would extend import sanctions for another year 
unless the regime takes a number of tangible steps toward democracy and 
reconciliation.
  I and many others believe these sanctions should be tightened even 
further, but those efforts will be pursued at a later date in separate 
legislation.
  I am joined, as always, by two colleagues who are both steadfast and 
longtime advocates for the freedom of the Burmese people: Senator 
Dianne Feinstein and Senator John McCain. I am proud to stand alongside 
these two friends in support of this important legislation.
  Before I close I want to clarify one important point for my 
colleagues. This bill would in no way hinder or block America's 
continuing efforts to provide humanitarian aid to the people in Burma 
in the wake of the cyclone. This bill imposes sanctions on trade, not 
humanitarian aid.
  America is a friend to the people of Burma. That is why we stand 
against Burma's tyrannical ruling regime. I hope my colleagues will 
continue to support this bill and continue to send that message to the 
SPDC.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the joint 
resolution be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the text of the joint resolution was 
ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:

                              S.J. Res. 41

       Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
     United States of America in Congress assembled, That Congress 
     approves the renewal of the import restrictions contained in 
     section 3(a)(1) of the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 
     2003.

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