Senators McConnell and Feinstein on Burma Sanctions

Senators urge their colleagues to act quickly in considering and passing this important legislation

June 9, 2009 -- WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) on Tuesday called on their colleagues to quickly approve their legislation, “The Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act,” which renews sanctions against the Burmese junta.

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The McConnell/Feinstein bill calls for the renewal of sanctions against the Burmese regime, which include an import ban on Burmese goods entering the U.S. and visa restrictions on officials from the dictatorial regime – the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC).

“Now is the time for Congress to send another strong message to the SPDC: the United States continues to stand squarely with the long-suffering people of Burma in their quest for democracy and reconciliation,” Senator McConnell said.

“Burma’s ruling junta, the State Peace and Development Party, understands all too well that the vast majority of its citizens embrace Aung Sang Suu Kyi’s call for freedom and democracy and reject the junta’s record of human rights abuses and oppression. That is why they are trying once again to silence Suu Kyi’s voice with the latest round of trumped up charges against her,” Senator Feinstein said. “Now is not the time to reward the regime for its brutal tactics by lifting any part of our sanctions regime on Burma.”

Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Richard Durbin (D-IL) joined McConnell and Feinstein on the legislation.

Source: Senator Mitch McConnell