Condemning Military Coup in Burma

Floor Speech

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Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 134, Condemning the military coup that took place on February 1, 2021, in Burma and the Burmese military detention of civilian leaders, calling for the release of all those detained and for those elected to serve in Parliament to resume their duties, and for other purposes. I'm proud to be an original cosponsor of this important resolution.

On February 1st the Burmese military shocked the world when it launched a coup against the democratically elected government of State Councilor Aung San Suu Kyi, declared a national state of emergency, and arrested civilian members of the government.

Since the coup, chaos has gripped the country. The military shut down the internet and imposed martial law. The Burmese people, insistent that their country continue down the path toward democracy, have taken to the streets to protest the military's actions, and the military has responded by killing at least 200 civilians, including more than 60 on Sunday, March 14th, and arresting thousands.

As the oldest democracy in the world, the United States must clearly and unequivocally condemn the Burmese military's brutal and authoritarian crackdown and violence against its own people. Burma has made significant progress in transitioning toward democracy in recent years, and it is heartbreaking to see this progress squandered in the blink of an eye.

I echo President Biden's call for the Burmese military to immediately relinquish power, release detained officials, and refrain from using violence against peaceful protesters. I also support President Biden's decision to impose sanctions on military leaders in Burma and freeze $1 billion of their assets that are held in the U.S., denying them access to these funds.

This resolution not only condemns the Burmese military, it sends a powerful message that the House of Representatives, the people's house in the United States Congress, stands firmly behind the courageous people of Burma as they struggle to wrest democracy and freedom from the hands of their authoritarian and corrupt military.

I'm proud to support this resolution and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

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