H.R. 5497 would authorize appropriations to provide humanitarian assistance and other support to Burma. The bill would authorize the Department of State to designate a coordinator for the federal government’s efforts to promote democracy and human rights in that country. It also would authorize the President to impose sanctions on foreign persons he determines have engaged in undermining democracy and violating human rights in Burma and to report to the Congress on those actions and related matters. Lastly, H.R. 5497 would authorize the Administration to restrict imports of Burmese gemstones.
