Hoosier State Today

U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) have sent a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and USAID Administrator Samantha Power, urging the development of a proactive policy on Burma. The senators emphasize the importance of U.S. leadership in addressing the rapidly evolving civil conflict in Burma.

"As the risk rises of a prolonged stalemate in the conflict, resulting in a permanently fragmented state, it is imperative that the U.S. government has a comprehensive and forward-leaning strategy on Burma," wrote the lawmakers. "We urgently need a revitalized approach, which will better support resistance forces within the country who are courageously standing up to the brutality of the military junta."

The letter stresses that U.S. leadership should not be ceded at this critical juncture but rather enhanced to support Burma's diverse communities in their pursuit of a democratic, peaceful, and prosperous future.

The senators call for reinvigorated diplomacy to unite pro-democracy groups and ethnic organizations essential for forming an inclusive federalist government in Burma. They advocate for close engagement with traditional constituencies such as the National League for Democracy (NLD) and the National Unity Government (NUG), along with ethnic organizations controlling significant territories.

Highlighting China's influence in the region, they see potential for creative multilateral diplomacy involving ASEAN and key Indo-Pacific partners like Thailand, Japan, and India. Multilateral support is deemed crucial for establishing a stable democratic future and aiding post-conflict reconstruction efforts.

The letter also recommends revisiting sanctions against Burma and exploring new accountability measures targeting sectors like aviation fuel to pressure the junta financially and militarily. The senators commend efforts with Singapore to restrict weapon flows to the regime and suggest similar actions with other regional countries.

Concerns are raised over insufficient implementation of non-lethal assistance provisions under the Burma Act by State Department and USAID. The lawmakers urge reconsideration of policies limiting life-saving resources such as medical equipment, body armor, early warning radar systems, drone jammers, among others.

"We reaffirm Congress’ willingness to coordinate closely with you to find strategic and impactful ways to assist the Burmese people," concluded the lawmakers.

The full text of their letter can be found below:

Dear Secretary Blinken and Administrator Power,

We are writing to express our concerns regarding what appears to be a failure to meet the moment regarding the evolving situation in Burma...

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.