SJRES18AUG3

No article may be imported into the US that is produced, mined, manufactured, grown or assembled in Burma. The ban is due to the US concern that the proceeds will support the military regime now controlling Burma. The ban could be lifted if the President certifies otherwise.

President could lift the import restrictions if the military regime of Burma makes “substantial and measurable progress to end violations of human rights, implemented a democratic government, and met its obligations under international counter-narcotics agreements.” Should a democratically elected government in Burma be established, the President can waive the ban as he can if he deems a waiver is in the national interest.

CBO reports that “In recent years, over half of all U.S. imports from Burma have been knitted or crocheted clothing and apparel goods. The remaining imports include apparel items not knitted or crocheted, certain types of fish and crustaceans, goods made of wood, certain precious and semiprecious stones and metals, and woven fabrics and tapestries. In 2001 and 2002, roughly 80 percent of duties collected on these imports came from knitted and crocheted articles. CBO assumes that most of the banned imports would be replaced with imports from other countries.”

The ban, established in 2003, is extended for another year.

Sponsor: Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY)

Vote:

Cost to the taxpayers: CBO estimates that extending the ban on U.S. imports from

Burma would reduce federal revenues by less than $500,000 in 2007 and by about $2 million in 2008, with no effect thereafter. CBO estimates enacting S.J. Res. 16 would not affect federal spending.

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