Today, the House Foreign Affairs Committee voted to pass a bipartisan resolution introduced by Congressman Andy Levin (MI-09) and Congressman Steve Chabot (OH-01), condemning the February 1 coup by the Burmese military (Tatmadaw) and calling for the Tatmadaw to release all political prisoners.
"The Tatmadaw has dealt a serious blow to nascent Burmese democracy, but I have faith the people of Burma, the international community and the United States can work together to demonstrate to the Burmese military that reverting to authoritarian rule is unacceptable," said Rep. Levin. "I'm inspired by the hundreds of thousands of Burmese citizens who have taken to the streets to protest this coup. My resolution condemning the coup is an act of solidarity with the people of Burma—all of its people, including ethnic minorities who have been left out of its democratic experiment. The civilian government must be restored, but that's just a first step. Real reform is needed to enfranchise ethnic minorities and build a true democracy for all."
"America stands with the Burmese people in their struggle for freedom," Rep. Chabot said. "On February 1, the news broke of a military coup against the civilian government in Burma. The Burmese military seized control and detained top political leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint, and, since then, has detained hundreds of other innocent civilians. The Burmese people have been courageously and peacefully protesting these actions. This coup is a blatant violation of the rights of the Burmese people, and I condemn Burma's generals for their assault against democracy. I want to thank Democratic Congressman Andy Levin for spearheading this bipartisan legislation to condemn the Burmese military's coup and I will continue to work with my colleagues to support the people of Burma."
Watch Rep. Levin's remarks here.
Congressman Levin's resolution was introduced in partnership with Congressman Steve Chabot (R-OH), Ranking Member of the APCAN Subcommittee. They were joined by more than 40 original cosponsors, including House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Ranking Member Michael McCaul (R-TX) and APCAN Subcommittee Chairman Ami Bera (D-CA).
Source:https://andylevin.house.gov/media/press-releases/levin-chabot-resolution-condemning-burma-coup-passes-committee
