Deciphering America's Mixed Messaging On Myanmar

2025-07-27 10:08:04

(MENAFN- Asia Times) On July 22, three bills addressing Myanmar (Burma) issues passed their respective US House of Representatives committees, paving the way for the next steps in becoming law. While they still have a long way to go before becoming actual legislation, their progress offered a glimmer of hope to the people of Myanmar.

Amidst an administration intent on slashing foreign assistance, these measures stand out. They aim to sever the military junta's economic lifelines, deliver justice for atrocities committed against civilians, and align US foreign policy more closely with Myanmar's democratic forces.

The Bringing Real Accountability Via Enforcement in Burma Act, or the BRAVE Burma Act, focuses on choking off the junta's financial streams. It mandates the US government to annually review and escalate sanctions on Myanmar's state-owned enterprises, financial institutions and any foreign entities supplying aviation fuel-fuel that the junta routinely uses in deadly aerial assaults on civilians.

The Burma Genocide Accountability and Protection Act, or Burma GAP Act, calls for the authorization of humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees and internally displaced persons, supports transitional justice mechanisms and advocates for the inclusion of the Rohingya in a future democratic federal system.

It also encourages deeper US engagement with democratic actors such as the National Unity Government , the National Unity Consultative Council and ethnic resistance organizations. The bill further calls for the appointment of a Special US Representative and Policy Coordinator on Burma.

The third bill, the No New Burma Funds Act, seeks to prohibit US support for any new financial assistance from the World Bank to Myanmar's military regime.

All three bills must still pass floor votes in the House before heading to the Senate, where the process starts anew. Importantly, while these bills authorize potential funding or actions, none actually appropriate funds.

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