Congressman Crowley Introduces Measure to Renew Sanctions on Burma, With Focus on Gem Imports

By Joe Crowley Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus in the House of Representatives • May 17, 2013

Today, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx) introduced the renewal of the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act, legislation that continues the ban on imports from Burma, particularly gems.

“I remain very concerned about human rights violations in Burma, including violence against ethnic nationalities, the use of rape as a weapon of war and brutal attacks on Muslim minorities – including women and children,” said Rep. Crowley. “I supported the Administration’s initial policy of ‘action for action’ and I have urged them to not waiver from that policy. My focus is on keeping the ban on the import of gems in place.”

Each year, Congress must vote to renew certain sanctions on Burma as part of the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act during a 90 day period beginning in May. Signed into law in 2003, the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act strengthened existing U.S. sanctions by banning imports from Burma, including gems. Together, the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act and the Block Burmese JADE Act have prevented hundreds of millions of dollars from getting into the hands of Burma’s military leaders.

In January 2012, Crowley became the first member of the U.S. House of Representatives to officially travel to Burma in over 12 years. In addition to authoring legislation to renew the bans contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act, Crowley also led the effort to strengthen sanctions on Burma’s military leaders through the Block Burmese JADE Act and led the successful effort to award Aung San Suu Kyi the Congressional Gold Medal.

Crowley introduced the legislation with Rep. Peter King (R-NY).

Congressman Crowley is the eight-term representative from the 14th Congressional District of New York, which includes sections of Queens and the Bronx. He is a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee and serves as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus in the House of Representatives.