Congresswoman Nikema Williams Passes Bipartisan Legislation in Committee to Continue the World Bank’s Pause on the Government of Burma
WASHINGTON D.C. – Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) introduced the No New Burma Funds Act in the House Financial Services Committee last week. This week, the legislation was brought before the House Financial Services Committee and the amendment was passed. This legislation would direct the United States to use its voice and vote at the World Bank to maintain the ongoing pause on disbursements and new financing commitments to the government of Burma.
Remarks as prepared:
CONGRESSWOMAN NIKEMA WILLIAMS:
“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chair, my bill, H.R. 4423, the No New Burma Funds Act would mandate that the United States use voice and vote to continue the World Bank’s pause on disbursements and new financing commitments to the government of Burma. This pause was initiated after a military coup overthrew the democratically elected government of Burma in 2021.
As you may know, over four years ago, the democratically elected leaders of Burma’s ruling party, the National League for Democracy, were overthrown by the Tatmadaw, Burma’s military.
Since the military regime’s coup, we have seen families displaced, citizens detained without access to income, education or healthcare and acts of genocide against the Burmese civilian population.
I have always said that I center my work on my constituents and fighting for those most marginalized. And this is true with this bill. In my district alone, DeKalb County is home to over 2,000 Burmese refugees.
I’ve even met with a student who was a refugee. And her story was empowering and a stark reminder that not only do we have an obligation to help those no matter their zipcode, but we have a duty to help those, no matter where they are on the globe!
This legislation gives our country another tool in the toolbox to put financial pressure on the Burmese government by ensuring that the U.S. Executive Director at the World Bank presses the institution to continue the pause on the disbursement of funds and new financing commitments, so that the Burmese government can give power back to the most important piece of any thriving free country: the people.
I’d like to thank Congresswoman Young Kim for co-leading this important piece of legislation with me.
I urge all my colleagues to support this bill, and with that, I yield back.”