Lawmakers Unveil Bill to Bolster Myanmar Sanctions

Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Mich., introduced a bill last week that could strengthen sanctions against several sources of funding for Myanmar's military.

The bill would require the president to determine annually whether to impose stronger property-blocking sanctions on Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise, Myanma Economic Bank and foreign persons operating in the jet fuel sector of Myanmar’s economy, the lawmaker’s office said in a news release.

Huizenga said his legislation is needed to diminish the Myanmar military's ability to commit human rights violations against civilians. His bill is co-sponsored by Reps. Betty McCollum, D-Minn.; Brad Sherman, D-Calif.; and Ann Wagner, R-Mo., and was referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee, as well as the Financial Services and Judiciary committees.

A separate bill President Joe Biden signed into law in 2022 called for sanctions following Myanmar's military coup in February 2021 (see 2204060054).