McConnell presses U.S. Secretary Rubio on Burma; Rubio reaffirms support for democracy, but action must be taken: BRI

Mizzima

At a Senate Appropriations hearing in the U.S. on Wednesday, Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) questioned U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio about delays in Burma Act funding and concerns that U.S. policy is shifting away from supporting Burma’s democratic movement, according to the Burma Research Institute (BRI) 4 June.

Secretary Rubio responded by reaffirming the Administration’s support for democratic civilian rule in Burma over continued military control backed by Beijing. He also said the Administration is working to identify democratic partners who can help shape Burma’s future.

“Senator McConnell has always been a strong supporter of democracy and human rights in Burma, and we are grateful for his leadership,” said Zo Tum Hmung, President and CEO of BRI. “His support for the bipartisan BRAVE Burma Act reflects his ongoing commitment to the people’s struggle for freedom, which BRI also supports.”

“I welcome Secretary Rubio’s reaffirmation of the U.S. preference for democracy in Burma,” Zo Tum Hmung added. “The Min Aung Hlaing-led Burmese military seized power from the people of Burma in February 2021. The Administration must now support its stated preference for democracy with decisive action.”

In the statement, BRI calls on the U.S. Administration to:

Recognize and engage with the Steering Council for the Emergence of a Federal Democratic Union (SCEF), formed March 30, 2026.

Unfreeze approximately $1 billion in Burma funds held at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and transfer them, with accrued interest, to SCEF, and implement the $121 million in FY2026 Burma assistance through SCEF.

Formally determine that the Burmese military’s atrocities against ethnic and religious minority Christians constitute crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Demand the immediate and unconditional release of State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Christian pastors, and all political prisoners.

The Burma Research Institute (BRI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Ellicott City, Maryland, United States that conducts research and advocacy. BRI primarily focuses on freedom of religion or belief, human rights, and protection and assistance of refugees and internally displaced people in Burma. Formerly known as the Chin Association of Maryland, BRI also empowers the local Chin community in Maryland and across the United States to successfully integrate into American society. (www.burmari.org)