Press Releases

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) reintroduced H.R. 3190, the BRAVE Burma Act. This bill addresses the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Burma by cutting off the ruthless military junta from the revenue sources it uses to facilitate acts of genocide against the Burmese civilian population. Joining Congressman Huizenga in introducing H.R. 3190 was fellow Burma Caucus co-chair Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN) as well as Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO).

“The United States can and must do more to protect the people of Burma and stop the genocide being committed by the military junta,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “This bipartisan bill moves to cut off the primary source of funding for the regime and diminish its ability to conduct horrific airstrikes on civilian populations.”

“On behalf of the Burmese (Myanmar) community in the constituency, I would like to extend our gratitude to Congressman Huizenga for his leadership on Burma-related legislation. We view this bill as a testament to the Burma Caucus’s continued commitment and constructive engagement in matters concerning Burma. We urge the United States to take a leading role in restoring democracy in Burma through sustained and vigorous engagement. The Burmese diaspora also hopes that the Burma Caucus will work closely with Burmese advocacy groups, who often possess valuable insights into the situation on the ground.” – Dr. Than N. Oo, Co-Chair, Burma Center of Battle Creek

Congressman Huizenga: Can I get your commitment that you are going to continue to work with my staff and us on a bipartisan basis as we try to address these issues in Burma?

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent: Congressman, we are happy to work with your staff on this legislation. Thank you for your leadership on this issue. I share your concern about imposing consequences on persons who threaten the peace and security of Burma. Treasury has tools to continue to take action for the people of Burma and working with you, we will continue to do so.

Background:

The BRAVE Burma Act requires the President to determine, on an annual basis, whether to impose stronger blocking sanctions on Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise, Myanma Economic Bank, and foreign persons operating in the jet fuel sector of the Burmese economy.

Additionally, BRAVE Burma Act would require the Secretary of the Treasury to limit any increase in Myanmar’s influence at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as long as it is governed by the military junta. Not only will this prevent Myanmar from gaining in voting power, but it will also limit the junta’s ability to borrow from the IMF. Lastly, this bill appoints a Senate-approved Special Envoy for Burma at the Department of State. The goal of this position is to develop a comprehensive strategy for implementing the full range of US diplomatic capabilities to promote human rights and the restoration of a civilian government in Burma.  

Congressman Huizenga established the first-ever Congressional Burma Caucus on February 1, 2024, to coincide with the three-year anniversary of the military coup in Burma. This caucus was created to bolster congressional support for the Burmese people in their fight for democracy and human rights against the brutal military junta. Congressman Huizenga serves as the Republican Co-Chair alongside Democrat Co-Chair Betty McCollum of Minnesota.