Bill for Sanctions Against Burmese Gems Passes House

The U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill tightening sanctions against Myanmar’s ruling military junta, meant to stop Myanmar’s rubies and jade from entering the United States, as reported by the AP.

A similar bill has also been introduced into the Senate, with the aim of keeping Myanmar from dodging the sanctions by laundering gemstones in third countries before selling them in the U.S. The approved legislation, if passed, would freeze the assets of Myanmar’s leaders and remove tax deductions for U.S. companies operating in Myanmar (Burma).

Along with barring Burmese government officials and their families from receiving U.S. visas, the bill would also prevent the country’s leaders from using U.S. financial institutions in other countries to launder their money.

According to the bill, the Burmese government tries to hide the origin of its gemstones when they’re shipped to the United States: "For example, over 90 percent of the world's ruby supply originates in Burma, but only 3 percent of the rubies entering the United States are claimed to be of Burmese origin."

The Burmese government came under fierce criticism from U.S. and international organizations and jewelry industry members urging sanctions against the country’s gem trade after the ruling junta violently suppressed peaceful protests throughout the country in August and September.

With world famous ruby reserves, Myanmar’s ruby sales are the third largest source of revenue for the military junta, which has ruled the country since the 1960s.