H.J.Res. 66 (112^th): Emergency Supplemental Disaster Relief Appropriations Resolution, 2011

GovTrack’s Bill Summary

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Library of Congress Summary

The summary below was written by the Congressional Research Service, which is a nonpartisan division of the Library of Congress.

House Republican Conference Summary

The summary below was written by the House Republican Conference, which is the caucus of Republicans in the House of Representatives.

This summary can be found at http://www.gop.gov/bill/112/1/hjres66.

Background

The Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act (P.L. 108-61) banned all imports from Burma until the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), the military regime of Burma, makes substantial and measurable progress to end violations of human rights, implement a democratic government, and meet its obligations under international counter-narcotics agreements. Due to annual sunset requirements of the law, the sanctions have been renewed every year since 2003.

As noted by the Ways and Means Committee, current law included requires the Administration to submit an annual report on whether the sanctions have effectively improved conditions in Burma and furthered U.S. policy objectives, along with the impact of sanctions on other U.S. national security, economic and foreign policy interests.  Additionally, the law grants the President the authority to waive the sanctions if it is in the national interest, and the law directs the President to craft a multilateral sanctions regime to pressure Burma to improve human rights.  H.J. Res 66 seeks to continue this policy framework.

In November 2010, Burma’s ruling junta, the State Peace and Development Council, held the country’s first election in 20 years. However, this election was in name only and by no means free and fair – prodemocracy opposition parties were prevented from having any significant role, and election fraud was rampant. The government-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party, consisting largely of former junta cabinet ministers and high-ranking government and military officials, won approximately 77% of all parliamentary seats – assuring that perennial, rampant repression persists. Extending the sanctions within the specific framework established under the 2003 law continues to be appropriate in light of such circumstances.

Summary

H.J. Res. 66 would renew for one year the import restrictions in Section 3 of the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003.  The relevant sanctions are currently set to expire on July 25, 2011.

This resolution is subject to the fast-track procedures in Section 152 of the Trade Act of 1974.  As such, it is non-amendable and privileged.

Cost

There was no Congressional Budget Office (CBO) cost estimate available for this bill.

House Democratic Caucus Summary

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