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Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2002

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4822-4824)

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Jun 4, 2003

Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 - Prohibits the importation into the United States of any article that is a product of Burma (Myanmar) until the President determines and certifies to Congress that Burma has taken certain democratic and counternarcotics actions. Authorizes the President to waive such requirements.Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to direct any U.S. financial institution holding funds of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) of Burma or the assets of individuals who hold senior positions in the SPDC or its political arm, the Union Solidarity Development Association, to report those assets to the Office of Foreign Assets Control and take such action as may be necessary to secure them.Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive director to each appropriate international financial institution to oppose any extension of a loan or financial or technical assistance to Burma until the requirements of this Act are met. Authorizes the President to deny visas and entry into the United States to the former and present leadership of the SPDC or the Union Solidarity Development Association. Urges the Secretary of State to use all appropriate fora, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum and Asian Nations Regional Forum, to encourage other states to restrict financial resources to the SPDC and Burmese companies while offering support to Burma's democratic movement, including the National League for Democracy and Burma's ethnic groups.Authorizes the President to assist Burmese democracy activists dedicated to nonviolent opposition to the regime in their efforts to promote freedom, democracy, and human rights in Burma.

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Who introduced it

Sen. McConnell, Mitch [R-KY] · R–KY

Committees

  • Foreign Relations Committee
34 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4822-4824)

  2. Committee on Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs. Hearings held.

  3. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S7393-7394)

  4. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S7390-7391)

  5. Introduced in Senate

Bill text & related measures

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Source last updated: Aug 18, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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