Katie Porter: “I support extending import sanctions against Burma. Import sanctions have been in place for 4 years and, unfortunately…”

“I support extending import sanctions against Burma. Import sanctions have been in place for 4 years and, unfortunately, the Burmese military junta has shown no progress in improving its egregious human rights records. The actions of this regime in Burma are inexcusable. The U.S. State Department's annual report on the effectiveness of the sanctions observes that Burma's already poor human rights record has only worsened. This regime continues to use forced labor, deny participation in democratic processes, and commit killings. Inexcusable. Despite the regime's promised road map to democracy, no meaningful progress has been made to create a democratic system of governance. The regime continues to exclude pro-democracy groups from the national convention and to jail pro-democracy opposition leaders. Aung San Suu Kyi has been living under house arrest for 4 years. Therefore, I believe it is necessary and it is appropriate to continue these sanctions to send an important message to Burma leaders that their violation of basic human rights is inexcusable.”