Washington, DC — Today, Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks issued the following statement regarding the announcement by the U.S. Department of Treasury that it is imposing sanctions on the Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE) and designating three additional entities and five individuals connected to Burma’s military regime. 

“I welcome the Biden Administration’s imposition of targeted sanctions on the Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE). Since the junta’s illegal February 2021 coup, MOGE has funneled approximately $3 billion to the junta’s coffers for weapons and military resources that the junta has used in countless atrocities against the Burmese people. 

“My bill, the BURMA Act, signed into law by President Biden, called on the Administration to impose sanctions on MOGE; I am glad the Administration has followed through. These sanctions will disrupt the junta’s access to the U.S. financial system and curtail its ability to commit further human rights violations. The United States and our partners must utilize all diplomatic and economic tools at our disposal to compel the junta to cease its atrocities, release unjustly detained individuals, facilitate unimpeded humanitarian access, and chart a pathway back toward democracy.

“I am proud that the bipartisan BURMA Act has ensured that the United States will stand up for the Burmese people in their pursuit of freedom. In the coming weeks and months, I will continue to work with the Biden Administration to fully implement the BURMA Act and work to support a peaceful, inclusive, and democratic future for the people of Burma.”  

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