Burma Democracy Promotion Act of 2007

A bill to impose sanctions on officials of the State Peace and Development Council in Burma, to amend the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 to prohibit the importation of gemstones and hardwoods from Burma, to promote a coordinated international effort to restore civilian democratic rule to Burma, and for other purposes.

10/29/2007--Introduced.
Burma Democracy Promotion Act of 2007 - States that it is U.S. policy to:
(1) condemn the repression carried out by the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC);
(2) support a peaceful transition to constitutional democracy in Burma; and
(3) hold accountable individuals responsible for the repression of peaceful political activity in Burma. Directs the President to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a list of:
(1) SPDC officials who play or have played a substantial role in political repression in Burma or in the commission of human rights abuses; and
(2) other Burmese SPDC supporters. Subjects persons so identified to U.S. entry prohibition and financial sanctions (blocked property, financial transaction prohibitions, and banking sanctions). Exempts medical and humanitarian assistance from such restrictions. Authorizes additional waivers for diplomatic and travel purposes. Terminates such prohibitions upon a presidential certification to the committees that the SPDC has:
(1) released all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi and other members of the National League for Democracy;
(2) entered into a dialogue with democratic forces led by the National League for Democracy and the ethnic minorities of Burma on transitioning to democratic government; and
(3) allowed humanitarian access to populations affected by armed conflict in all regions of Burma. Amends the the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 to prohibit the importation into the United States of Burmese gems, teak, or other hardwood timber. Directs the President to appoint a Special Representative and Policy Coordinator for Burma. Authorizes:
(1) the Secretary of the Treasury to issue multi-year licenses for humanitarian or religious activities in Burma; and
(2) the President to assist nonviolent democracy activists in their efforts to promote freedom, democracy, and human rights in Burma. Directs the Secretary of State to report to the appropriate committees respecting countries that provide military aid to Burma. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should lead U.N. Security Council efforts to impose an international arms embargo on Burma.


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Sponsor

• Sen. Joseph Biden [D, DE]
• and 20 Co-Sponsors
  • Sen. Barbara Boxer [D, CA]
  • Sen. Sherrod Brown [D, OH]
  • Sen. Christopher Dodd [D, CT]
  • Sen. Richard Durbin [D, IL]
  • Sen. Dianne Feinstein [D, CA]
  • Sen. Charles Hagel [R, NE]
  • Sen. Kay Hutchison [R, TX]
  • Sen. Tim Johnson [D, SD]
  • Sen. John Kerry [D, MA]
  • Sen. Patrick Leahy [D, VT]
  • Sen. Joseph Lieberman [I, CT]
  • Sen. Blanche Lincoln [D, AR]
  • Sen. Mitch McConnell [R, KY]
  • Sen. Barbara Mikulski [D, MD]
  • Sen. Lisa Murkowski [R, AK]
  • Sen. Bill Nelson [D, FL]
  • Sen. Bernard Sanders [I, VT]
  • Sen. Gordon Smith [R, OR]
  • Sen. Olympia Snowe [R, ME]
  • Sen. John Sununu [R, NH]
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Committees

• Senate Foreign Relations

Amendments

This bill has no amendments.

Amendments to S.2257

Number	Status	Purpose

Bill Status

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Introduced		Voted on by Senate		Voted on by House		Considered By President		Bill Becomes Law
October 29, 2007

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All Bill Actions

• Oct 29, 2007: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
• Oct 29, 2007: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13521-13522)
• Introduced on Oct 29, 2007.

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Related Bills:

• S.2172
• H.R.3890

Related Issue Areas:

• Weapons systems
• Trade
• Timber sales
• Sanctions (International law)
• 42 more
• Religious liberty
• Religion
• Refugees
• Presidents
• Presidential appointments
• President and foreign policy
• Politics and government
• Political prisoners
• Political persecution
• Political parties
• Nongovernmental organizations
• Natural resources
• Minorities
• Military assistance
• Lumber trade
• Licenses
• Law
• International finance
• International affairs
• Import restrictions
• Immigration
• Human rights
• Foreign leaders
• Foreign banks and banking
• Foreign aid
• Ethnic groups
• Embargo
• East Asia
• Dissenters
• Diplomats
• Democracy
• Congressional reporting requirements
• Congressional oversight
• Congress and foreign policy
• Congress
• Civil liberties
• Burma
• Arms sales
• Armed forces
• Alien property
• Advice and consent of the Senate
• Foreign policy

Data from the Congressional Research Service

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Blog Coverage

September 04, 2008 Evaluating the Candidate's "Legislative Experience"

3024: Eurasia Foundation Act, and S. 2257: Burma Democracy Promotion Act of 2007, you get a clear picture how Biden wants to interfere in other countries using your tax dollars. Be confident in that you are one of the few who have any ...

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April 11, 2008 18 USC 2257 Re-Hearing

The US 6th Circuit Appeals Court has agreed to rehear en blanc (a full panel of judges [30 some]) the US 6th Circuit Appeals Court's Tribunal ruling of last October (2007,) 2-1 finding that 18 USC S.2257 was facially unconstitutional. ...

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December 21, 2007 Burma Update: December 21, 2007

US Government: S.2257: Burma Democracy Promotion Act of 2007 (Introduced in Senate) News from Burmese Media Democratic Voice of Burma: Monk Detained in Mental Hospital Democratic Voice of Burma: DKBA Soldiers Killed by Regime Troops ...

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