March 18, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1563 States at the United Nations to hold By preventing the Parliament from com- The world cannot turn a blind eye to accountable those responsible for the pleting its work, the Burmese military has ren- the violence perpetrated by the Bur- military coup in Burma.’’ dered impossible and effectively nullified the mese military. With this important The legislation also directs that not international collaborative relationships that measure, the United States sends a later than 90 days after the date of the have supported and strengthened the institu- clear signal that we stand with the enactment of this act that Congress tion, including the Burmese parliament’s part- people of Burma in their longstanding gets a report from the Secretary of nership with HDP. pursuit for democracy, and a strong State as relates to the military coup in Because of the Burmese military’s seizure message to the Burmese military, or to Burma, and provide a description of the of government through the detention of State anyone, for that matter, who fail to up- efforts taken by the United States to Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win hold the will of the people. help the people of Burma restore their Myint, and other government leaders, Burma Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- democratic form of government. is not represented by a democratically-elected ance of my time. I want to cite a constituent in my government. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The district—first of all, the people from Madam Speaker, H.R. 1112 declares it to question is on the motion offered by Burma who have been generous in their be the policy of the United States to instruct, the gentleman from New York (Mr. help of Houstonians, their fellow as appropriate, representatives of the United MEEKS) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1112, as Houstonians, in Hurricane Harvey, in States Government to use the voice, vote, and amended. the freeze, in COVID–19—Mr. Mouton, influence of the United States at the United The question was taken; and (two- who has provided resources to all of the Nations to hold accountable those responsible people in the area representing the thirds being in the affirmative) the for the military coup in Burma. rules were suspended and the bill, as community of those from Burma. He The legislation also directs the representa- amended, was passed. has been generous in his support when tives of the United States Government to en- people have been in need. That is what A motion to reconsider was laid on gage with the Association of Southeast Asian the table. people from Burma here in the United Nations (ASEAN) and ASEAN member states States do. to promote a return to Burma’s democratic f So this statement that we are mak- transition and democratic values throughout CONDEMNING MILITARY COUP IN ing is to say that we are standing with Southeast Asia and support the centrality of BURMA the freedom fighters. We are standing ASEAN within the regional architecture of the with those who believe in democracy. Mr. MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I move Indo-Pacific. And I want to salute the Parliament. to suspend the rules and agree to the Finally, the legislation directs that not later The Parliament and the duly elected resolution (H. Res. 134) condemning the than 90 days after the date of the enactment members of the Burmese Parliament military coup that took place on Feb- of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit who have taken it upon themselves to ruary 1, 2021, in Burma and the Bur- to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the continue serving as representatives of mese military detention of civilian the people through alternative meth- Committee on Appropriations of the House of leaders, calling for the release of all ods of communicating and convening is Representatives and the Committee on For- those detained and for those elected to courageous and laudable and inspires eign Relations and the Committee on Appro- serve in Parliament to resume their the respect of freedom-loving people priations of the Senate a report on the military duties, and for other purposes. everywhere. coup in Burma and a description of efforts The Clerk read the title of the resolu- It is our goal, as we stand on the taken by the United States to help the people tion. floor of the House, for the American of Burma restore their democratic form of gov- The text of the resolution is as fol- peoples’ voices to be heard through ernment. lows: H.R. 1112, the Protect Democracy in Madam Speaker, the will and determination H. RES. 134 Burma Act of 2021, and H. Res. 134, the of those duly elected Members of the Bur- Whereas the military of Burma (herein- resolution condemning the coup in mese Parliament who are taking it upon them- after referred to as the ‘‘Tatmadaw’’) held Burma, and to support the American- selves to continue serving as representatives power in Burma between 1962 and 2011; Whereas provisions in the 2008 Constitu- Burmese community. of the people through alternative methods of communicating and convening is courageous, tion of Burma, written by the Tatmadaw, al- Madam Speaker, as a senior member of the locate 25 percent of parliamentary seats to Committee on the Judiciary and the Member laudable, and inspires the respect of freedom the Tatmadaw, conferring powers on the of Congress for the Eighteenth Congressional loving people everywhere. Tatmadaw that have been used to suppress District of Texas, the home of a large and vi- That is why I strongly support H.R. 1112, basic rights, including freedoms of expres- brant Burmese community, I rise in strong the ‘‘Protect Democracy in Burma Act of sion, assembly, and association; support of H.R. 1112, the ‘‘Protect Democracy 2021,’’ and urge my colleagues to join me in Whereas, in 2010, Burma conducted its first In Burma Act of 2021,’’ which condemns the voting for its passage. election, which was neither free nor fair, military coup in Burma and calls for the uncon- Mr. MCCAUL. Madam Speaker, I under the new Constitution, and which was yield myself such time as I may con- boycotted by the National League for De- ditional release of detained democratically- mocracy (NLD); elected leaders and civil society members and sume. Madam Speaker, Members across the Whereas Burma conducted elections in No- declares it the policy of the United States to vember 2015, in which the NLD came to support a return to Burma’s democratic transi- aisle share the same concerns about power; tion. Burma’s military coup, and the brutal Whereas Burma’s November 8, 2020, elec- Madam Speaker, on February 1, 2021, human rights violations it has caused. tions resulted in the NLD securing enough hours before Burmese Parliament was to con- This bill ensures that the United seats in Parliament to form the next govern- vene in a new session Daw Aung San Suu States of America’s condemnation of ment, notwithstanding the disenfranchise- Kyi, the leader of Burma’s ruling party, and this coup is a matter of record, and it ment of more than 1,500,000 voters, mostly President Win Myint, the duly elected head of asks the administration to report to from ethnic minority communities in Congress on this critical issue. Kachin, Karen, Mon, Rakhine, Shan, and government, were deposed in a military coup Chin states; on February 1, 2021. Madam Speaker, I urge my col- Whereas the Tatmadaw conducted a coup As part of the military coup, the Burmese leagues to support this measure, and I against the civilian government on February military declared martial law, suspended the yield back the balance of my time. 1, 2021, hours before Parliament was to con- civilian led government, and detained newly Mr. MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I yield vene in a new session; elected Members of Parliament in the capitol, myself such time as I may consume for Whereas the Tatmadaw claimed they had Naypyidaw, thereby usurping the role of the the purpose of closing. evidence of parliamentary election fraud per- democratically elected government and par- Madam Speaker, again, I want to petrated by the NLD and Burma’s Union liament. thank Mr. CONNOLLY for introducing Election Commission, an allegation that this legislation, and I want to thank contradicted the judgment of several inde- The inability of newly elected Members of pendent election monitoring organizations Parliament to begin their official mandate due Ranking Member MCCAUL and my col- that the electoral process and outcome were to the Burmese military’s actions directly leagues on the other side of the aisle credible despite minor irregularities; threatens the democratic trajectory of Burma’s for making sure that we have a sin- Whereas the Tatmadaw has detained un- Parliament, and thereby the country. gular voice going forward. lawfully State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:16 Mar 19, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K18MR7.060 H18MRPT1 ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE H1564 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 18, 2021 President Win Myint, and other leaders of (5) calls on the President of the United monitoring organizations found that the NLD, as well as prodemocracy activists States and the Secretary of State to— the electoral process and outcome were from the 88 Generation and other civil soci- (A) encourage both the return to power of credible, even despite minor irregular- ety leaders; all members of the civilian government and, Whereas the Tatmadaw has charged State subsequently, constitutional reforms to ad- ities. Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi with importing dress the power conferred to the Tatmadaw Since the coup took place, we have walkie-talkies illegally and President Win in Parliament and the disenfranchisement of seen thousands of protesters take to Myint with violating prohibitions on gath- ethnic minorities in Burma; the streets to make sure that their erings during the COVID–19 pandemic; (B) reinstate sanctions and impose new re- voices were heard; voices in opposition Whereas the Tatmadaw has declared a strictions aimed at the Tatmadaw and those to the coup and in support of democ- state of emergency until new elections are responsible for the February 1st coup; racy. And as those protests continued, held in one year; (C) work with the international partners we have seen security forces increas- Whereas the Tatmadaw has restricted free- and multilateral institutions, including the dom of movement, telecommunications, and United Nations Security Council, to con- ingly use violence in an attempt to the media, limiting access to information to demn the coup and enact multilateral, tar- quell the demonstrations. and from Burma during a political and public geted sanctions on the military, military- The U.N. estimates that 149 people health crisis; owned businesses, including the Myanmar have been killed since the coup oc- Whereas, on January 31, 2021, the Sec- Economic Corporation and Myanmar Eco- curred on February 1. Fifty-seven peo- retary-General of the United Nations spokes- nomic Holdings Limited, and others con- ple were killed this past weekend person released the following condemnation nected to the coup, including an inter- alone. of the coup, which reads, in part, ‘‘The Sec- national arms embargo; It is imperative that democracies retary-General strongly condemns the deten- (D) coordinate with international partners tion of State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu and allies, especially those with economic around the world speak out in con- Kyi, President U Win Myint and other polit- investments in Burma, with respect to demnation of this coup and the arrest ical leaders on the eve of the opening session planned economic consequences for the coup of democratically-elected government of Myanmar’s new Parliament. He expresses and ensuring those consequences are tailored officials. It is vital that we speak in his grave concern regarding the declaration to avoid impacting Burmese civilians; support of democracy, of all of those of the transfer of all legislative, executive (E) ensure that targeted sanctions allow members of civil society who have been and judicial powers to the military. These all necessary exemptions to permit the deliv- arrested, and those in Burma who are developments represent a serious blow to ery of humanitarian assistance to civilians protesting for the restoration of de- democratic reforms in Myanmar.’’; in need; Whereas, on February 1, 2021, President Jo- (F) ensure that United States-based social mocracy. And it is important that we seph R. Biden, Jr., condemned the coup in a media companies, including Facebook, not make it clear to the Tatmadaw, includ- statement that read, in part, ‘‘The military’s allow their platforms to be used as vehicles ing through additional targeted sanc- seizure of power in Burma, the detention of for disinformation campaigns or advocating tions that leverage sources of income Aung San Suu Kyi and other civilian offi- violence against the Burmese people; for the military, that these actions are cials, and the declaration of a national state (G) implement restrictions on diplomatic, absolutely unacceptable. of emergency are a direct assault on the economic, and security relations with Burma We are sadly, in this body, all too fa- country’s transition to democracy and the until a full restoration of civilian-controlled rule of law.’’; miliar with the rippling effects of at- Parliament, and release of those detained in tempts to undo democratic elections. Whereas protests opposing the coup have connection with the coup; and swept Burma; (H) direct the United States Permanent We have an obligation to speak up and Whereas the House of Representatives Representative to the United Nations to use speak out wherever democracy is passed H. Res. 1091 on December 13, 2018, ex- the voice, vote, and influence of the United threatened. pressing the sense of the House of Represent- States to bring about greater international Madam Speaker, this is a very impor- atives that the atrocities committed against cooperation to pursue justice and account- tant resolution. I support it and urge the Rohingya by the Tatmadaw and security ability in Burma. forces beginning in August 2017 constituted my colleagues to do the same, and I re- crimes against humanity and genocide; and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- serve the balance of my time. Whereas the United States has sanctioned ant to the rule, the gentleman from Mr. MCCAUL. Madam Speaker, I Tatmadaw officials previously, including New York (Mr. MEEKS) and the gen- yield myself such time as I may con- Commander in Chief Min Aung Hlaing, for tleman from Texas (Mr. MCCAUL) each sume. the atrocities committed against the will control 20 minutes. Madam Speaker, the House has al- Rohingya, and the International Court of The Chair recognizes the gentleman ways come together to condemn human Justice is investigating the Tatmadaw’s con- from New York. rights violations around the world, duct: Now, therefore, be it GENERAL LEAVE Resolved, That the House of Representa- whether it is in Rwanda or Xinjiang; or tives— Mr. MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I ask as we discuss here today, in Burma. (1) condemns the military coup that took unanimous consent that all Members Only 3 years ago, the House over- place on February 1, 2021; have 5 legislative days in which to re- whelmingly passed Mr. CHABOT’s reso- (2) stands with the people of Burma in vise and extend their remarks and in- lution to label the Burmese military’s their ambition for sustainable peace, a gen- clude extraneous material on H. Res. crimes against the Rohingya Muslim uine democracy, and the realization of 134. population as genocide. human rights for all, including for ethnic mi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Unfortunately, we are once again fac- norities whose human rights have been vio- objection to the request of the gen- ing shocking violence in Burma as a lated repeatedly and who have been tleman from New York? disenfranchised historically; pro-democracy movement pushes back There was no objection. against the recent military coup. Hun- (3) condemns any attacks on civilians and Mr. MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I yield supports the use of all diplomatic and devel- dreds are reported dead, with many myself such time as I may consume. opment tools to ensure that civilians are Madam Speaker, I want to thank more injured. And more than 2,000 peo- safe during conflict; ple have been arrested, simply for (4) calls on the Tatmadaw to— Representative LEVIN for sponsoring this resolution, which condemns the peacefully asking for freedom. America (A) release all those currently detained ar- cannot stand idly and silently by while bitrarily as a result of the February 1st coup; military coup that occurred in Burma (B) restore all forms of communications, on February 1, 2021. atrocities like this happen. including internet services; It has been more than 45 days since Madam Speaker, I urge my col- (C) remove all impediments to free travel the Burmese military, also known as leagues to join me in supporting this that have been imposed as a result of the the Tatmadaw, arrested several demo- resolution. With over 60 Republican coup, apart from legitimate travel restric- cratically-elected members of govern- and Democrat cosponsors, this resolu- tions related to the COVID–19 pandemic; ment, including the President Win tion, and this issue, is truly bipartisan. (D) return to power all members of the ci- Myint, and the State Counselor, Aung I want to thank Mr. LEVIN for intro- vilian government; San Suu Kyi, and declared a year-long ducing this resolution. (E) allow for freedom of expression, includ- Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- ing the right to protest, press freedom, and state of emergency, and nullified the freedom of movement; results of Burma’s November 8, 2020, ance of my time. (F) allow unfettered reporting from local, elections. Mr. MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I yield national, and international media; and Despite Tatmadaw claims of election 5 minutes to the distinguished gen- (G) refrain from mass evictions; and fraud, several independent election tleman from Michigan (Mr. LEVIN), a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:55 Mar 19, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A18MR7.023 H18MRPT1 ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE March 18, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1565 valued member of the House Foreign resolution with me, as well as Sub- Many of you have seen the riveting Affairs Committee, and author of this committee Chairman BERA, Chairman image of a Catholic nun, Sister Ann important resolution. MEEKS, Ranking Member MCCAUL, and Rose Nu Tawang, kneeling before a Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Madam all of my colleagues who have cospon- group of militarized police, pleading Speaker, I thank Chairman MEEKS and sored this important resolution, which that they do not shoot the protesters. Ranking Member MCCAUL for their I am proud to say, on a completely bi- Sadly, at least two protesters lost their support in bringing this resolution to partisan basis, we passed through the lives that day. But what gives us at the floor today. House Foreign Affairs Committee least a glimmer of hope is that oppo- Last month, the Burmese military, unanimously. site Sister Ann Rose, two of the offi- Tatmadaw, staged a coup and quashed Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to cers, who are presumably Buddhists, Burma’s fragile experiment with de- support this resolution. also got down on their knees in re- mocracy. Mr. MCCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 sponse that this ought to be peaceful Burma had struggled during that minutes to the gentleman from New and not violent. time to enfranchise its minority popu- Jersey (Mr. SMITH). It is an image which gives one some lation, and to respect their human Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. hope that the people of Burma can rights. The genocide of the Rohingya is Speaker, I thank the ranking member overcome their differences and unite perhaps the best known example, but it for yielding, and I thank the chairman for peace and justice and for the ben- is far from the only one. for his leadership. efit of all Burmese, regardless of reli- In fact, when Burma’s November 8, I would especially like to thank Mr. gion, ethnicity, or political affiliation. 2020, elections resulted in the National LEVIN for his resolution condemning Mr. Speaker, I thank my distin- League for Democracy winning an the military coup in Burma, and call- guished chairman and the ranking overwhelming victory and securing ing for release of all those who have member for their leadership on this. enough seats in Parliament to form the been detained, as well as restoring Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve next government, it was notwith- those elected to serve in Parliament to the balance of my time. standing the disenfranchisement of a position that allows them to fulfill Mr. MCCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 more than 1,500,000 voters, mostly from their important duties. minutes to the gentleman from Ohio ethnic minority communities in I would also like to thank Mr. CON- (Mr. CHABOT). Kachin, Karen, Mon, Rakhine, Shan, NOLLY for his Protect Democracy in Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I thank and Chin states. the gentleman for yielding, and I thank The resolution before us today con- Burma Act, H.R. 1112, and the impor- the ranking member for his leadership demns the February 1st coup unequivo- tant report that it will authorize. on this issue and so many issues that cally and calls on the Tatmadaw to Mr. Speaker, 24 years ago, in 1997, I are so significant across the globe. For- free all those they have detained arbi- chaired my first hearing on Burmese tunately, our committee usually works trarily and return members of the ci- human rights abuse, and chaired addi- in a bipartisan manner, so I want to vilian government to power. tional hearings after that, including in We are considering this resolution at 1998 and 2006. I also introduced several thank my colleagues on the other side a critical time. More than 2,100 people resolutions addressing the ongoing of the aisle, especially the chairman, have been arrested, charged, or sen- egregious crisis, including H. Res. 1710, for his leadership on this as well. tenced in relation to the coup. The which decried the house arrest of Aung As the ranking member of the For- military and police have been ordered San Suu Kyi, and called on the Bur- eign Affairs Committee’s Asia, the Pa- to fire on protesters. More than 200 mese military regime to end its cam- cific, Central Asia, and Nonprolifera- people have been killed in cold blood in paign of religious and ethnic persecu- tion Subcommittee, I rise today in sup- these violent crackdowns. tion of the Rohingya people, amount- port of H.R. 134, legislation that Con- On top of mobile data blackouts, ing to crimes against humanity. gressman LEVIN and I introduced con- demning the Burmese military’s Feb- there is now concern that the b 1615 Tatmadaw could cut off WiFi as well, ruary 1 coup against the civilian gov- and even reports of fiber lines being Thus, after decades of abuse, rape, ernment. The military’s decision to cut, which would cut off access to the torture, and murder, it is incredibly seize control and detain top political internet altogether. tragic as to how little has changed in leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi Clearly, there is no time to waste. that country. and President Win Myint, was a brazen The junta’s rule must end. But it will As H. Res. 134 points out, the Bur- assault on Burma’s fledgling democ- not be enough simply to return to the mese Government’s unlawful detention racy. status quo ante. This resolution calls of State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, Self-government is not some sort of on President Biden and Secretary as well as the crackdown on democracy temporary arrangement or a gift from Blinken to encourage not just the re- advocates and the squelching of free the military. Burma’s generals cannot turn to power of the civilian govern- expression and other fundamental civil simply back out of democracy when it ment, but also, subsequently, constitu- and political rights, is outrageous and no longer serves their purposes. tional reforms to address the undemo- begs immediate reform and correction. The situation has only gotten worse cratic power reserved for the The United States must, and I be- since the coup began. To date, the mili- Tatmadaw in Parliament, and the dis- lieve will, in a bipartisan way, and tary has killed hundreds of people and enfranchisement of Burma’s ethnic mi- with the executive branch taking the has detained thousands of innocent norities. lead, do its part. Every sanction of le- people as political prisoners, and the Democracy is something we must verage must be deployed, and we must conditions in many instances are hor- ever defend and nurture. That is why call on all of our international partners rible. we who believe that all people are cre- to join us in those efforts. What the military is doing here is ated equal and must be treated as such, The most glaring example of basic re- just unconscionable. These murders whether here in America or anywhere ligious persecution, Mr. Speaker, is the and detentions are blatant violations else around the globe, must speak up, oppression of Burma’s Muslim of the rights of the Burmese people not only for full civilian control in Rohingya population. This persecution who, after all, only want to have what Burma, but also for democracy, not for has been aided and abetted in part by so many other countries have across some, but for all. religious and nationalist extremists the globe, and that is the ability to de- And so this resolution makes clear such as the Buddhist monk Wirathu termine their own leadership and their that Congress stands with all of the and the 969 movement. own course of action for their own fam- people of Burma in their ambition for We also see religious persecution ilies and their children and grand- sustainable peace, a genuine democ- intertwined with ethnic persecution, as children. racy, and the realization of human in the case of the Karen, Kachin, and We should honor—the whole world rights for all. Shan people, many of whom are Chris- really should honor—the courage of the Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Rank- tians. I have met many of them over Burmese people who have been peace- ing Member CHABOT for authoring this the years. fully protesting for quite some time

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:16 Mar 19, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K18MR7.063 H18MRPT1 ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE H1566 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 18, 2021 now. Their bravery and determination fers from asthma at night. She said Thein going on in Burma is pure evil. The are recognized and supported across Zaw’s brother noted that he had lost weight. autocratic strongmen leading this coup the globe. America and the world stand Thein Zaw was arrested as he was are using deadly force to crack down with them in their struggle against photographing police, some of them armed, on all dissenting speech. Burmese au- charging down a street at anti-coup pro- tyranny. testers. A video shows that although he thorities, under the direction of these Unfortunately, the PRC in this case stepped to the side of the street to get out of military thugs, are actively murdering and in so many other cases across the their way, several police rushed over and demonstrators, arresting thousands, globe, whether it is Cambodia or other surrounded him. One put him in a chokehold and imprisoning international report- areas where they tend, their actions as he was handcuffed and then taken away. ers covering the situation. are malevolent. They are undermining According to the Assistance Association Senseless violence, military rule, and democracy; they are undermining free- for Political Prisoners, 38 journalists have imprisoning political opponents all fly dom; and they are undermining legiti- been detained since the military ousted the directly in the face of the democratic elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on mate governments. They are rewarding Feb. 1. Nineteen are still incarcerated. values we cherish as Americans. bad behavior, as they are doing in this The group says it has verified the deten- Today, this Chamber has the oppor- case, and that is too bad because the tions of more than 2,000 people as well as 69 tunity to condemn the hostile takeover PRC wants to be a major force and deaths. of the Burmese Government, defend the wants to be a country that other coun- On Friday, local media in Shan State in demonstrators looking for peace, and tries can look up to. eastern Myanmar reported that a freelance stand up for democracy in Burma. Unfortunately, they are doing all the journalist from Poland had been beaten and Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage wrong things too often, and that is arrested by security forces. The online Kanbawza Tai News said a for- my colleagues to support both H. Res. what they are doing here as well. Rath- eign photojournalist was arrested Thursday 134 and H.R. 1112. er than putting pressure on the mili- while taking pictures of a protest in the city Mr. MEEKS. I continue to reserve tary in Burma, they are essentially of Taunggyi. A photo provided to the news the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker. looking the other way or supporting site shows a man trapped against a wall with Mr. MCCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield them in what they are doing. one arm raised as he is surrounded by about myself the balance of my time. The bravery and determination of the 10 soldiers. Mr. Speaker, the Burmese military is people must be recognized across the Germany’s dpa news agency said the man, using brutal violence to drag Burma Robert Bociaga, 30, has been working for the globe. back into repression and isolation. We Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I continue news service, and it has not been able to con- tact him. should condemn this coup with one to reserve the balance of my time. ‘‘We are deeply shocked by the arrest and united voice as the United States of Mr. MCCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 apparent mistreatment of Robert Bociaga,’’ America through its Congress. minutes to the gentleman from Ten- said the agency’s editor-in-chief, Sven Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to nessee (Mr. BURCHETT). Goesmann. ‘‘This is an intolerable and unac- support this measure, and I yield back Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I in- ceptable attack on the freedom of the press the balance of my time. clude in the RECORD a report from the and, even in this brutal form, is unfortu- Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- Associated Press detailing the deten- nately not an isolated case.’’ self the balance of my time. tion of AP reporter Thein Zaw by Bur- The Polish Foreign Ministry confirmed the arrest of a Polish journalist and said it was Mr. Speaker, it is imperative that mese authorities. trying to contact the detained man and ob- the Burmese military respect the will [From the AP, Mar. 12, 2021] tain information about his health and legal of the Burmese people and, one, return MYANMAR COURT EXTENDS DETENTION OF AP situation. power to those democratically elected; JOURNALIST Earlier this week, Myanmar authorities and, two, release civilian leaders taken YANGON, MYANMAR (AP).—A court in canceled the licenses of five local outlets into custody. Myanmar extended on Friday the pretrial de- that had extensively covered the protests. Daily protests against the military Mizzima, Democratic Voice of Burma, Khit tention of an Associated Press journalist coup continue to occur in towns and who was arrested while covering demonstra- Thit Media, Myanmar Now and 7Day News tions against a coup. He is facing a charge have continued operating despite being cities throughout Burma, and the secu- that could send him to prison for three barred from broadcasting or publishing on rity forces are using increasing bru- years. any media platform. tality to crack down against those Thein Zaw, 32, was one of nine media work- The Associated Press and many press free- demonstrating. ers taken into custody during a protest on dom organizations have called for the release We must make it clear that the Feb. 27 in Yangon, the country’s largest city, of Thein Zaw and the other detained journal- United States is watching and that we and has been held without bail. His next ists. support the restoration of democracy. hearing at the Kamayut Township court will The U.S. government, in addition to criti- Again, I want to thank Mr. LEVIN, be on March 24. cizing the coup and the violence of Friday’s hearing, which Thein Zaw at- Myanmar’s security forces, has condemned the ranking member, and my col- tended via videoconference, came at the end the crackdown on the press in the Southeast leagues on both sides of the aisle for of his initial remand period. Asian nation. coming together so that the Burmese Thein Zaw and at least six other members ‘‘We are deeply concerned about the in- people know that the Congress of the of the media have been charged with vio- creasing attacks on the freedom of expres- United States of America stands to- lating a public order law, according to his sion, including for members of the press. We gether in their fight for democracy. lawyer, Tin Zar Oo, and the independent As- call for the release of journalists and for all Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance sistance Association for Political Prisoners. others who have been unjustly detained,’’ Separate hearings were held Friday for the U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned of my time. other detained journalists. Price told reporters in Washington on Thurs- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Tin Zar Oo and one of Thein Zaw’s brothers day. RUIZ). The question is on the motion were allowed into the courtroom to take Even during Suu Kyi’s time in office, jour- offered by the gentleman from New part in the 10-minute videoconference. Tin nalists were often sued for their reporting. York (Mr. MEEKS) that the House sus- Zar Oo said she was able to submit docu- In the highest-profile case, two journalists pend the rules and agree to the resolu- ments giving her power of attorney for the working for the Reuters news agency were tion, H. Res. 134. case, but only at the next hearing might be arrested in 2017 while working on a story The question was taken. allowed to submit a bail application. about military violence directed at The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the A representative of the U.S. Embassy was Myanmar’s Rohingya minority. They were also present, said Aryani Manring, a spokes- accused of illegally possessing official docu- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being woman for the mission. ments and sentenced to seven years behind in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Thein Zaw had not been seen by his lawyer bars before being freed in 2019 in a mass pres- Mr. HICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, on or any of his family members since his ar- idential pardon. that I demand the yeas and nays. rest. Tin Zar Oo said visits at lnsein Prison, Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Zaw has been The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- where her client is being held, are not al- jailed for covering the violence leveled ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution lowed because of coronavirus concerns, so his family has been dropping off food and sup- against anti-coup demonstrators in 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. plies for him at the gate. Burma. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- Tin Zar Oo said that her client looked Thanks to Mr. Zaw and other jour- ther proceedings on this motion are healthy during Friday’s hearing, but he suf- nalists on the ground, we know what is postponed.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:16 Mar 19, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K18MR7.065 H18MRPT1 ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE March 18, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1567 AMERICAN DREAM AND PROMISE Timmons Wagner Wenstrup Alabama, and BOST changed their vote Turner Walberg Westerman ACT OF 2021 Upton Walorski Williams (TX) from ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Valadao Waltz Wittman So the motion to recommit was re- Van Drew Weber (TX) Womack jected. ant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, further Van Duyne Webster (FL) Zeldin consideration of the bill (H.R. 6) to au- The result of the vote was announced thorize the cancellation of removal and NAYS—216 as above recorded. adjustment of status of certain aliens, Adams Gomez Norcross Stated for: and for other purposes, will now re- Aguilar Gonzalez, O’Halleran Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I want to Allred Vicente Ocasio-Cortez sume. Auchincloss Gottheimer Omar state that on March 18, 2021, I missed one The Clerk read the title of the bill. Axne Green, Al (TX) Pallone rollcall vote. Had I been present, I would have Barraga´ n Grijalva Panetta MOTION TO RECOMMIT voted: ‘‘Yes’’—rollcall vote 90—Motion to Re- Bass Harder (CA) Pappas commit on H.R. 6. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Beatty Hastings Payne ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the unfin- Bera Hayes Perlmutter MEMBERS RECORDED PURSUANT TO HOUSE Beyer Higgins (NY) Peters RESOLUTION 8, 117TH CONGRESS ished business is the question on agree- Bishop (GA) Himes Phillips Allred (Davids Hastings Payne (Pallone) ing to the motion to recommit on H.R. Blumenauer Horsford Pingree (KS)) (Butterfield) Blunt Rochester Houlahan Peters (Kildee) 6 offered by the gentleman from Ohio Pocan Axne (Stevens) Kahele (Mrvan) Bonamici Hoyer Pingree (Mr. JORDAN) on which the yeas and Porter Barraga´ n (Beyer) Kim (NJ) (Davids Bourdeaux Huffman (Cicilline) Pressley Bera(Aguilar) (KS)) nays were ordered. Bowman Jackson Lee Porter (Wexton) Price (NC) Bishop (GA) Kirkpatrick The Clerk will redesignate the mo- Boyle, Brendan Jacobs (CA) Rush Quigley (Butterfield) (Stanton) F. Jayapal (Underwood) tion. Raskin Blumenauer Langevin Brown Jeffries Schneider Rice (NY) (Beyer) (Lynch) The Clerk redesignated the motion. Brownley Johnson (GA) (Sherrill) Ross Buchanan Lawson (FL) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Bush Johnson (TX) Sires (Pallone) Roybal-Allard (Gimenez) (Evans) Bustos Jones question is on the motion to recommit. Ruiz Bush (Clark Lieu (Beyer) Slotkin Butterfield Kahele Ruppersberger (MA)) Lowenthal (Stevens) The vote was taken by electronic de- Carbajal Kaptur Rush Ca´ rdenas (Beyer) Smith (WA) vice, and there were—yeas 203, nays Ca´ rdenas Keating Ryan (Gomez) McEachin (Courtney) Carson Kelly (IL) 216, not voting 10, as follows: Sa´ nchez Cleaver (Davids (Wexton) Timmons Cartwright Khanna Sarbanes (KS)) Meng (Clark (Steube) [Roll No. 90] Case Kildee Scanlon DeSaulnier (MA)) Wasserman YEAS—203 Casten Kilmer Schakowsky (Matsui) Moore (WI) Schultz (Soto) Castor (FL) Kim (NJ) Aderholt Gallagher Mast Schiff DesJarlais (Beyer) Watson Coleman Castro (TX) Kind Allen Garbarino McCarthy Schneider (Fleischmann) Moulton Chu Kirkpatrick (Pallone) Amodei Garcia (CA) McCaul Schrader Garbarino (Joyce (Underwood) Cicilline Krishnamoorthi Wilson (FL) Armstrong Gibbs McClain Schrier (OH)) Napolitano Clark (MA) Kuster (Hayes) Arrington Gimenez McClintock Scott (VA) Grijalva (Garcı´a (Correa) Clarke (NY) Lamb Babin Gonzales, Tony McKinley Scott, David (IL)) Omar (Pressley) Cleaver Langevin Bacon Gonzalez (OH) Meijer Sewell Clyburn Larsen (WA) Baird Good (VA) Meuser Sherman The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Cohen Larson (CT) Balderson Gooden (TX) Miller (IL) Sherrill Connolly Lawrence question is on the passage of the bill. Banks Gosar Miller (WV) Sires Cooper Lawson (FL) The question was taken; and the Barr Granger Miller-Meeks Slotkin Correa Lee (CA) Bentz Graves (LA) Moolenaar Smith (WA) Speaker pro tempore announced that Costa Lee (NV) Bergman Graves (MO) Mooney Courtney Leger Fernandez Soto the ayes appeared to have it. Bice (OK) Green (TN) Moore (AL) Craig Levin (CA) Spanberger Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I Biggs Greene (GA) Moore (UT) Crist Levin (MI) Speier Bilirakis Griffith Mullin demand the yeas and nays. Crow Lieu Stanton Bishop (NC) Grothman Murphy (NC) Cuellar Lofgren Stevens The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Boebert Guest Nehls Davids (KS) Lowenthal Strickland ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution Bost Guthrie Newhouse Davis, Danny K. Luria Suozzi Brooks Hagedorn Norman 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. Dean Lynch Swalwell Buchanan Harris Nunes The vote was taken by electronic de- DeFazio Malinowski Thompson (CA) Buck Harshbarger Obernolte DeGette Maloney, Thompson (MS) vice, and there were—yeas 228, nays Bucshon Hartzler Owens DeLauro Carolyn B. Titus Budd Hern Palazzo 197, not voting 5, as follows: DelBene Maloney, Sean Tlaib Burchett Herrell Palmer [Roll No. 91] Delgado Manning Tonko Burgess Herrera Beutler Pence Demings Matsui Torres (CA) Calvert Hice (GA) Perry YEAS—228 DeSaulnier McBath Torres (NY) Cammack Higgins (LA) Pfluger Adams Clarke (NY) Foster Deutch McCollum Trahan Carl Hill Posey Aguilar Cleaver Frankel, Lois Dingell McEachin Trone Carter (GA) Hinson Reed Allred Clyburn Gallego Doggett McGovern Underwood Carter (TX) Hollingsworth Reschenthaler Auchincloss Cohen Garamendi Doyle, Michael McNerney Vargas Cawthorn Hudson Rice (SC) Axne Connolly Garcı´a (IL) F. Meeks Veasey Chabot Huizenga Rodgers (WA) Bacon Cooper Garcia (TX) Escobar Meng Vela Cheney Issa Rogers (AL) Barraga´ n Correa Gimenez Eshoo Mfume Vela´ zquez Cline Jackson Rogers (KY) Bass Costa Golden Espaillat Moore (WI) Wasserman Cloud Jacobs (NY) Rose Beatty Courtney Gomez Evans Morelle Schultz Clyde Johnson (LA) Rosendale Bera Craig Gonzalez, Fletcher Moulton Waters Cole Johnson (OH) Rouzer Beyer Crist Vicente Foster Mrvan Watson Coleman Comer Johnson (SD) Roy Bishop (GA) Crow Gottheimer Frankel, Lois Murphy (FL) Welch Crawford Jordan Rutherford Blumenauer Cuellar Green, Al (TX) Gallego Nadler Wexton Crenshaw Joyce (OH) Salazar Blunt Rochester Davids (KS) Grijalva Garamendi Napolitano Wild Curtis Joyce (PA) Scalise Bonamici Davis, Danny K. Harder (CA) Garcı´a (IL) Neal Williams (GA) Davidson Katko Schweikert Bourdeaux Dean Hastings Garcia (TX) Neguse Wilson (FL) Davis, Rodney Keller Scott, Austin Bowman DeFazio Hayes Golden Newman Yarmuth DesJarlais Kelly (MS) Sessions Boyle, Brendan DeGette Higgins (NY) Diaz-Balart Kelly (PA) Simpson NOT VOTING—10 F. DeLauro Himes Duncan Kim (CA) Smith (MO) Brown DelBene Horsford Dunn Kustoff Smith (NE) Brady Kinzinger Wilson (SC) Brownley Delgado Houlahan Emmer LaHood Smith (NJ) Donalds McHenry Young Bush Demings Hoyer Estes LaMalfa Smucker Gaetz Pascrell Bustos DeSaulnier Huffman Fallon Lamborn Spartz Gohmert Takano Butterfield Deutch Jackson Lee Feenstra Latta Stauber Carbajal Diaz-Balart Jacobs (CA) Ferguson LaTurner Steel Ca´ rdenas Dingell Jayapal Fischbach Lesko Stefanik b 1713 Carson Doggett Jeffries Fitzgerald Long Steil Mr. MALINOWSKI, Mses. CLARK of Cartwright Doyle, Michael Johnson (GA) Fitzpatrick Loudermilk Steube Case F. Johnson (TX) Fleischmann Lucas Stewart Massachusetts, SANCHEZ, and Mr. Casten Escobar Jones Fortenberry Luetkemeyer Stivers GREEN of Texas changed their vote Castor (FL) Eshoo Kahele Foxx Mace Taylor from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ Castro (TX) Espaillat Kaptur Franklin, C. Malliotakis Tenney Chu Evans Keating Scott Mann Thompson (PA) Messrs. CAWTHORN, NORMAN, Cicilline Fitzpatrick Kelly (IL) Fulcher Massie Tiffany LAMBORN, WESTERMAN, MOORE of Clark (MA) Fletcher Khanna

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