Political Quotes

“I wish to give just a little history to back up this resolution. In 1997, former Senator William Cohen and I authored legislation, which required the President to ban new U.S. investment in Burma, if he determined that the Government of Burma had physically harmed, rearrested or exiled Aung San Suu Kyi or committed large-scale repression or violence against the democratic opposition. In fact, at that time, Secretary Albright met with the ASEAN nations and tried to encourage them to be of help. They were of no help, so the President, by Executive order, then instituted this investment ban. In 2003, after the regime or some of its quislings attempted to assassinate Aung San Suu Kyi when she was on a march in the center of the country, Senator McConnell and I introduced the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003, which placed a complete ban on imports from Burma. It allowed that ban to be renewed 1 year at a time. That is essentially what we are doing today. It was signed into law and has been renewed 1 year at a time since then. I became involved in this struggle for peace and democracy in no small part due to the courage and valor of this wonderful woman. I think I admire her as much as any woman in the world. Her message of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law continues to inspire not only her fellow citizens but people all over this great world, with her courage and her resolve in the face of constant oppression.”