No New Burma Funds Act
Sponsor
Nikema Williams
Democrat · GA-5
Latest Action · Dec 2, 2025
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Bill Progress
Congress Blocks New Aid for Burma Junta
Why it matters
The bill keeps U.S. pressure on Burma’s military government after a coup stalled its democracy.
The big picture: After Burma’s military staged a coup in 2021, the U.S. pushed global institutions like the World Bank to pause financial support for the country’s junta. HR4423 extends this freeze, making sure U.S. influence keeps international money out of the regime’s hands. The bill gives the Treasury Secretary wiggle room—if it ever helps U.S. interests to resume aid, there’s an out.
Zoom in: The U.S. Executive Director at the World Bank gets clear instructions—vote 'no' on new loans or aid for the Burmese government. The bill doesn’t cut off all humanitarian or private aid, just official cash directed at the military-controlled government.
Between the lines: Congress is signaling it won’t let up until democracy is restored. But the real muscle here is global: if Washington keeps saying 'no,' other big donors often join in, keeping much more than just American money out of the junta’s reach.
What This Bill Does
Continued Freeze on World Bank Funds
Keeps U.S. support for the World Bank’s freeze on loans and new funding to Burma’s government.
Treasury Oversight
Puts the U.S. Treasury Secretary in charge of directing how America votes at the World Bank on Burma issues.
National Interest Exception
Lets the Treasury Secretary end the freeze if it’s judged necessary for U.S. national interests.
Focus on Government, Not People
Targets only funds directed to Burma’s governing authorities—not humanitarian or direct-to-people aid.
Response to the 2021 Coup
Formally links the funding freeze to the military overthrow of Burma’s elected government.
Who Benefits
Burmese democracy activists
Keeps pressure on the military rulers, signaling U.S. support for a return to civilian government.
Regional democracies (like Thailand and Indonesia)
See bolstered U.S. commitment to upholding democracy in Southeast Asia.
U.S. taxpayers
Ensures U.S. money doesn’t support an authoritarian government.
International organizations
Get continued clear direction from a major donor on how to handle Burma aid.
Who's Affected
The Burmese military government
Loses potential access to new international development funds that could boost its grip on power.
Ordinary Burmese citizens
Could see delayed development projects, but humanitarian programs are still allowed.
Global development banks
Must keep Burmese government financing paused as long as the U.S. says so.
U.S. executive branch
Gets more congressional oversight and responsibility for U.S. policy on Burma.
Cosponsors (3)
Recent Actions
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 385 - 0 (Roll no. 307). (text: CR H4945)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 385 - 0 (Roll no. 307). (text: CR H4945)
Considered as unfinished business. (text: CR H4954-4955)
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4423.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4945-4947)
Committees (2)
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Source: Congress.gov