BRAVE Burma Act
Sponsored By: Senator Chris Van Hollen
Introduced
Summary
This bill would strengthen U.S. sanctions and diplomacy to pressure Burma's military and promote a return to civilian democratic government. It extends sanctions authorities, tightens annual reporting on targeted firms, and creates a U.S. Special Envoy for Burma.
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- People in Burma and displaced populations would see a focused U.S. push for humanitarian aid, protection for ethnic minorities, support for political prisoners, and efforts to pursue accountability for atrocities.
- Companies and foreign actors in Burma's economy face higher scrutiny. The President would be required to identify state-owned enterprises, Myanma Economic Bank, and foreign parties operating in the jet fuel sector for potential sanctions.
- U.S. foreign policy tools would be extended and amplified. The bill lengthens the authorities from 8 to 10 years and directs the Treasury to limit Burma's IMF share increases under military rule. A Special Envoy would lead coordinated multilateral sanctions, engagement with China and Russia, and interagency diplomatic work.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
New U.S. Special Envoy for Burma
If enacted, the Secretary of State would appoint a Special Envoy for Burma with ambassador rank. The Envoy would coordinate U.S. sanctions, diplomacy, and humanitarian aid for Burma. The Envoy would engage pro-democracy groups, ethnic leaders, and multilateral partners. The Envoy would report to and brief Congress on Burma policy.
Limit Burma IMF share increases
If enacted, the Treasury Secretary would tell the U.S. IMF director to limit any increase in Burma's IMF share while the military government rules. The President could waive that limit only after certifying to the House Committee on Financial Services and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations that the waiver is in the national interest and by providing a detailed explanation.
Annual sanctions checks on Burma entities
If enacted, the President would have 180 days to decide whether certain Burmese entities meet sanctions criteria. The President would then report to Congress every year for seven years. Covered entities include Burmese state-owned enterprises, Myanma Economic Bank, and foreign persons in Burma's jet fuel sector. Reports would be unclassified but could include a classified annex.
Extend Burma Act authorities two years
If enacted, this bill would change the Burma Act's expiration from 8 years to 10 years. The change would take effect on enactment. U.S. agencies would have two more years to use the Act's authorities against the Burmese military and related entities.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Chris Van Hollen
MD • D
Cosponsors
Todd Young
IN • R
Sponsored 3/4/2026
Sen. McConnell, Mitch [R-KY]
KY • R
Sponsored 3/4/2026
Jeff Merkley
OR • D
Sponsored 3/4/2026
Angela Alsobrooks
MD • D
Sponsored 4/13/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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