Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleague and friend on the Ways and Means Committee in strong support of H.J. Res. 83, which would continue the imposition of sanctions against the repressive regime in Burma for another year. The purpose of imposing sanctions against Burma is to promote democracy, develop a respect for human rights, and improve living conditions for the Burmese people. Unfortunately, the ruling junta is still dedicated to working against, not toward those objectives. For that reason, I am in favor of continuing our practice of extending import sanctions against Burma for another year. Burma's regime is one of the world's most repressive. And it continues to oppress democratic movements and humanitarian efforts. In reading the State Department's human rights report on Burma, I am appalled at the extent and scale of grave human rights violations. According to the State Department, this repugnant regime, in which military officers wield the ultimate authority at every level of government, routinely continues to abridge the right of citizens to change their government and commits to other severe human rights abuses. Specifically, government security forces allowed custodial deaths to occur, and committed extrajudicial killings, disappearances, rape, and torture.…”