Senate Floor Speech
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
July 24, 2007

SENATOR HUTCHISON DISCUSSES THE BURMESE FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY ACT


MRS. HUTCHISON. Madam President, I rise today in strong support of H.J. Res. 44, the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act. This legislation will send a strong message to the military leaders of Burma, by renewing sanctions on their repressive regime.

As cochairman of the Senate Women's Caucus on Burma, I have closely monitored the political situation in that country, including the inspiring leadership of a brave Burmese woman named Aung San Suu Kyi. A former winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Aung San Suu Kyi has dedicated her life for the cause of democracy in her country, including spending most of the last 17 years in detention.

I have been proud to stand with the other women of the Senate on behalf of Aung San Suu Kyi. In May 2007, I joined with Senator Feinstein, Senator Collins, Senator Klobuchar, Senator Stabenow, and First Lady Laura Bush at a press event to show our concern for Aung San Suu Kyi, and the need for the U.S. Government to stand in solidarity with the people of Burma.

By passing the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act, we are reengaging on this vitally important issue, but we can do, and must do, more. The U.S. should use its influence with the international community to put more pressure on the Burmese to stop the murder, oppression and imprisonment of its critics.

I know that Aung San Suu Kyi--and the people of Burma--will applaud this landmark legislation. I am proud to cosponsor it, and I urge my Senate colleagues to vote for it.

Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor.
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