WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) announced Tuesday that their legislation to renew sanctions against the Burmese government has passed the Senate. “The Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act” now goes to the President for his signature.

The McConnell/Feinstein bill calls for the renewal of sanctions against the Burmese junta, which include an import ban on Burmese goods entering the U.S. and visa restrictions on officials from the regime -- the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC).

This is the fifth consecutive year that Senators McConnell and Feinstein have worked together to extend the annual ban on imports from Burma.

The McConnell/Feinstein legislation maintains sanctions on the regime until changes are taken by the SPDC – changes that include taking concrete, irreversible steps toward reconciliation and democratization, such as the full, unfettered participation of the National League for Democracy and ethnic minorities in the political affairs of the country; ending attacks on ethnic minorities; and the immediate, unconditional release of all prisoners of conscience, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi.

“Today, the United States Senate sent a strong message to the military junta in Burma -- America continues to stand squarely with the people of Burma in their quest for freedom and democracy,” Senator McConnell said.

“Simply put, the military junta in Burma has failed to take any meaningful steps to warrant a lifting of the sanctions,” Senator Feinstein said. “Today, we send a message to the military junta that it must release all political prisoners, including democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and engage in a true national dialogue on restoring democratic government. And we join the international community in signaling to Suu Kyi that we are with her, that she does not stand alone, and we will not remain silent.”

In addition to Senators McConnell and Feinstein, the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act had 59 cosponsors. The House passed its version on Monday.

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