[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 61 (Wednesday, April 6, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H4203]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
STANDING WITH BURMA
(Mr. CICILLINE asked and was given permission to address the House
for 1 minute.)
Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5497, the BURMA
Act, which would provide badly needed resources to civil society actors
in Burma and impose sanctions on the Burmese military for upending
years of progress, democracy, and human rights for a self-serving and
brutal agenda of repression and violence.
Having visited Burma, I have seen the strength of its people as they
have struggled to create and sustain democracy.
Now, under the authoritarian Tatmadaw, the divisions, prejudices, and
violence have been exacerbated and progress has been reversed.
The Rohingya and other vulnerable populations continue to be
displaced and assaulted. Journalists are purposely targeted for
harassment and violence.
The political opposition has faced unspeakable violence and
imprisonment.
We must commit to holding those responsible for the collapse of
democracy and human rights to account, and we must support those that
are working in dangerous circumstances to reestablish the rule of law.
As we continue to work against global authoritarianism and for
democracy and human rights around the world, let us stand shoulder to
shoulder with the people of Burma and their struggle for freedom.
____________________