By Kristiana Kuqi and Simon Billenness
In a historic move, members of the House of Representatives launched the first-ever bipartisan Congressional Burma Caucus last week, marking a pivotal step in addressing the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. Republican Bill Huizenga of Michigan and Democrat Betty McCollum of Minnesota will co-chair the caucus, signaling an increasing commitment by Congress to support democracy and human rights in Myanmar.
The establishment of this caucus is a commendable effort to sustain U.S. focus on Myanmar amidst competing global issues. The Campaign for a New Myanmar, which worked to help establish this caucus, stressed the importance of congressional engagement to U.S. leadership in seeking positive change in the Southeast Asian nation.
The humanitarian crisis in Myanmar has reached a critical point, prompting the need for swift and sustained attention from the international community. The caucus aims to enhance awareness of Myanmar within the U.S. Congress and Administration, signaling a united front against military rule in Myanmar.
The caucus will join advocates calling on the Biden administration to provide increased support to democratic forces in Myanmar and to impose further targeted and coordinated sanctions on the military junta.
Last year, Congress passed the BURMA Act, enabling the U.S. government to provide non-lethal support to Myanmar’s democratic forces and ethnic resistance organizations. Now, there is a push for the U.S. Administration to create an advisory group to make recommendations regarding the approximately $1 billion in Myanmar assets frozen by the U.S. government post-coup.
On Wednesday, Washington announced new sanctions targeting companies and individuals connected to the military, focusing on disrupting the fuel supply for the Myanmar military’s aerial bombings that have frequently targeted civilians. But action by the U.S. and the international community still remains short of the measures needed to cut off the junta from the revenues, weapons, and jet fuel that it needs to stay in power.
Additionally, the launch of the Congressional Burma Caucus has garnered support from the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC). Ambassador Ted Osius, USABC President & CEO commended U.S. Representatives Bill Huizenga and Betty McCollum for their vision and leadership. USABC has joined the call for the Administration to appoint a dedicated U.S. Special Envoy for Myanmar to best coordinate U.S. support for the Myanmar democratic movement.
The launch of the Congressional Burma Caucus is not just timely; it is crucial in ensuring that U.S. policy towards Myanmar remains principled, proactive, and effective. As we mark the third anniversary of the military coup, united action through this bipartisan initiative stands as a beacon of hope for democracy and human rights in Myanmar.
Kristiana Kuqi and Simon Billenness are members of the advisory board of Campaign for a New Myanmar
