On February 1, 2021, the military in Myanmar (Burma) seized power in a violent coup, abruptly ending a decade of democratic reforms. Since then, the people of Myanmar have endured brutal repression: peaceful protesters have been gunned down in the streets, entire villages burned, and political prisoners tortured. Yet, in the face of unimaginable violence, the people have not backed down. Instead, they’ve risen up through mass nonviolent resistance in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) and through armed struggle in the form of the People’s Defense Force.
They are not just fighting for democracy—they are fighting for survival.
It is time for the United States to do more than watch. Congress has an opportunity to act through the BRAVE Burma Act (H.R. 3190)—a bipartisan bill that would put meaningful pressure on the Myanmar military and bolster support for those resisting tyranny.
What the BRAVE Burma Act Does
Formally titled the Bringing Real Accountability Via Enforcement in Burma Act, the bill was introduced by Reps. Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Ann Wagner (R-MO), and Seth Moulton (D-MA), showcasing rare bipartisan unity in support of human rights and democratic freedom.
The bill would:
-
Sanction Myanmar’s state-owned enterprises, including Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE) and Myanma Economic Bank (MEB)—financial lifelines that fund the junta's campaign of terror.
-
Target foreign individuals and companies involved in supplying jet fuel to the military—essential for the airstrikes devastating civilian populations.
-
Establish a U.S. Special Envoy for Burma, tasked with coordinating all U.S. efforts and diplomacy related to the crisis, ensuring focused and sustained engagement.
This is not just about punishment—it’s about cutting off the economic and military tools the junta needs to maintain its violent grip on power.
Why It Matters
Sanctions work when they're strategic. MOGE alone provides over $1 billion a year to the military. Cutting off access to that revenue is one of the most powerful ways the international community can weaken the junta and empower the pro-democracy movement. The people of Myanmar have asked for this kind of action. It is up to us to listen.
Just as the United States has responded robustly to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, so too must it take a firm stand against military tyranny in Myanmar. Failing to act sends a dangerous message to authoritarian regimes everywhere: that they can kill, torture, and overthrow democratic governments with impunity.
Take Action
The BRAVE Burma Act won’t pass without public pressure. Now is the time to contact your Members of Congress and ask them to co-sponsor and support H.R. 3190. Adding your name, address, and voice can send a powerful message that Americans care about freedom, not just at home, but around the world.
This is about more than foreign policy—it’s about standing on the side of courage, justice, and democracy.
Let’s be brave. Let’s stand with Burma.
