Not content with letting Covid ravage Myanmar, Myanmar army chief Min Aung Hlaing marked the six-month point of his military coup by declaring himself prime minister of a supposed “caretaker government.” The civilian National Unity Government quickly labeled the rebranded regime an “unlawful association.” The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners has estimated that the military junta has in just six months killed nearly a thousand people and imprisoned nearly seven thousand.
We demand that Congress take action. We are calling for Senator Ben Cardin and Rep. Gregory Meeks to re-introduce a new Burma bill, not only to hold accountable the Myanmar military but also to provide humanitarian assistance directly to the Myanmar people. Now, let’s make the final push to get this bill introduced!
This Saturday, August 7th, people are gathering in Washington, DC, to call for the introduction of the new Burma Bill. Gathering in Lafayette Square by the White House at 1 pm, the group will march to the Capitol.
Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY) are drafting the new Burma bill. Thanks to your emails and phone calls, they are hearing from other Members of Congress whom you’ve told to co-sponsor the upcoming Burma bill.
Would you follow up with your senators directly and ask them to contact Senator Cardin’s office regarding co-sponsoring the bill?
Call your senators:
- When you reach their office, ask to be connected directly to the staffer who handles foreign affairs.
- Simply tell the staffer – in person or on their voicemail – you want your senator to co-sponsor and support the new Burma bill once it is introduced. (Mention that the lead sponsors of the bills are Senator Ben Cardin and Representative Gregory Meeks.)
- Leave your name, number, and city of residence to indicate that you live in the state or congressional district.
- Follow up with an email to the staffer and blind copy (bcc) us at [email protected] (please note: most senate staffers’ email is [email protected], please let us know if you have questions)
- Email us at [email protected] and tell us how your calls went. (And please tell us of any changes in your senators’ staffers.)
Just one email or phone call from a constituent can make a difference. Your Members of Congress need to know that you want Congress to act. The people of Myanmar can’t wait any longer. You can also go here to send letters to your senators.