Congresswoman Tenney Joins Bipartisan Group to Introduce Resolution on One-Year Anniversary of Burma Coup

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22) today with a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Reps. Gregory Meeks, Steven Chabot, Anna Eshoo, Ami Bera, and Andy Levin, introduced a resolution on the one-year anniversary of the coup in Burma. The resolution condemns the coup orchestrated and executed by the Burmese military and denounces the military junta’s brutal human rights violations.

On February 1, 2021, the Burmese military took control of the civilian government, declared a state of emergency, and imprisoned dually elected officials, such as State Councilor Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint, and various Members of Parliament. The Burmese people protested and demanded the restoration of civilian rule but were met with a swift and violent response from the Burmese military, also known as the Tatmadaw. Some civilians were executed, many were arrested, and others disappeared in the wake of the protests.

The Utica-area is home to thousands of Burmese refugees and new Burmese-American citizens; many have family in Burma who continue to suffer under the military regime.

“One year after the unacceptable coup in Burma, the violence sadly continues. The United States must champion the right of the Burmese people to live freely under a democratic, civilian government. The Tatmadaw’s violent coup in Burma was a tragic step in the wrong direction after years of forward progress for Burmese democracy. I will continue to stand with the Burmese people and support all diplomatic efforts to ensure an immediate return to democratic, civilian rule. Earlier this year, I introduced a bipartisan resolution calling for the imposition of an arms embargo against the Tatmadaw. It is now my privilege to join with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to introduce this strong, bipartisan resolution. We must be unequivocal in our stand for democratic values,” said Tenney.

The full text of the resolution is available here.

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