Call Your Senators for Burma Today
Call your Senators now to cosponsor the renewal of the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act (Senate Joint Resolution 17).
Help us flood the Senate with phone calls in support of Aung San Suu Kyi and the 58 million people of Burma who are fighting against tyranny and oppression.
For tips and instructions for calling your Senators, click here.
Don’t forget to check out our Congressional Scorecard Map
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Below are easy, detailed instructions about how to make sure your voice is heard by BOTH of your Senators. You may want to print this page, since it is a little long!
5 Quick Easy Steps for Calling Your Senators
- Background on the issue
- Before you call
- What to say
- What the receptionist will say
- After your call
1. Background on the issue
The Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act (BFDA) denies hundreds of millions of dollars from getting into the hands of Burma’s military dictatorship and its cronies. It prohibits products made in Burma from being imported into the United States. Any type of business that you may find in Burma, large or small, has to partner with the military generals who are granted the power to authorize as well as to make profit off of these deals. Hence, by placing economic sanctions on Burma, we are cutting off the financial lifelines of the generals and their associates.
2011 is a critical year for Burma. The military regime is trying to put on a show to the international community that they have changed towards democracy, but the reality is vastly different.
- Aung San Suu Kyi is free, but there are still over 2,000 political prisoners behind bars. This includes journalists, monks, students, and especially democratic leaders necessary for true democratic transition. Click here for more info.
- The military regime continues to attack ethnic communities. The fighting along the Thai-Burma that began right after the elections in November has not ceased. From January to April there were a total of 359 clashes in Karen State, with more continuing. There were also recent reports of the Burmese Army burning down 7 villages in Shan State, where renewed civil war began two months ago. Ethnic communities are not happy with the new sham government, and are still demanding basic rights. The military regime is continuing to build up their military presence in other ethnic areas as well, with civil war still a vivid possibility. Click here for more info.
- Severe human rights violations continue, with organizations documenting many cases of forced labor, summary executions, land confiscation, rape, and use of child soldiers. Click here for more info
The Army needs guns to intimidate and kill, and it needs money to buy guns. For that reason, we need sanctions on Burma to stop the flow of money to the junta, which otherwise, they would use to buy weapons to commit crimes against the Burmese people. Most importantly, this Act sends a strong signal to the regime that we care about human rights in Burma and that we support the people of Burma who are working relentlessly for real change to happen in their country.
Each year, the Senate must vote to renew the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act. This year, five leading Senators – Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John McCain (R-AZ), and Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) have introduced Senate Joint Resolution 17. Representatives Joseph Crowley (D-NY) and Peter King (R-NY) and have introduced House Joint Resolution 66 to renew the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act.
In a recent interview, Burma’s democracy leader and Nobel Laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi insisted: “Sanctions must remain in place. Sanctions should only be lifted when something has changed here [in the country]. There have been elections but the government that has taken over since the elections are the same as those who were in place before the elections.”
2. Before you call
Remember, most Senate staffers enjoy hearing from constituents. So relax and enjoy this process of advocating for human rights in Burma.
When a receptionist answers the phone, ask to speak to the foreign policy staffer by name.
“Hi, my name is [YOUR NAME] from [YOUR STATE], may I please speak to [NAME OF THE FOREIGN POLICY STAFFER]?”
You will find the name of the foreign policy staffer on the email you received from USCB.
If the receptionist asks what your call is regarding, tell the receptionist that you live in the Senator’s state and that you want to speak to the staffer about “co-sponsoring” the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act. Be sure to be polite, and say something like:
“I’m calling because I would like to ask [STAFFER'S NAME] if Senator [SENATOR'S NAME] will cosponsor the renewal of Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act (S.J.Res 17).”
4. What the receptionist will say
At this point the receptionist will either:
a) Transfer you to the telephone of the staff member. If this happens see section “A” below, or
b) Transfer you to the voice-mail of the staff member. If this happens see section “B” below, or
c) Say that the staff member is busy, ask to take a message. If this happens see section “C” below.
SECTION A – If you speak directly to the staffer in charge of foreign affairs
I) Thank them for speaking with you and tell them why YOU think they should co-sponsor the renewal of this bill.
II) Tell them why you called. Here is a suggestion of what to say:
“Hi, my name is [YOUR NAME]. I am from [YOUR STATE]. I am very concerned about the human rights situation in Burma and am calling because I would like to urge Senator [YOUR SENATOR'S NAME] to co-sponsor Senate Join Resolution 17, a bill renewing the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act. The people of Burma, including Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi (pronounced awng san sue chee) and ethnic minorities, have called for pressure on Burma’s military regime, and we should support the calls of the people of Burma. This is a very important year for Burma, the regime is trying to legitimize itself after a sham election and is increasing hostilities against ethnic minorities.“
Then give the staffer proof that this policy works:
“The Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act has cut off hundreds of millions of dollars to Burma’ s military regime and their cronies.”
Let the staffer know that this is a bipartisan effort and tell them who are the first co-sponsors of the bill:
“There are Senators from both parties supporting this bi-partisan effort: Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Dick Durbin (D-IL) and John McCain (R-AZ)
If your Senator co-sponsored this bill in the past, let the staffer know. You should have received an email about this from us. If you are not sure, do not worry about it at this point, or email us at myradah@uscampaignforburma.org and ask us for more information. Then say to the staffer:
“I know that Senator [YOUR SENATOR'S NAME] co-sponsored this bill before, and I hope Senator [YOUR SENATOR'S NAME] will do so again this year.”
Offer to email a copy of the Senate Joint Resolution 17 to the staffer. The more physical or electronic copies of the bill they see, the more they will be reminded of Burma. Download a copy.
III) Optional. Beyond the basics here are some additional points for you to say:
- Mention the human rights abuses of the military regime. The regime has destroyed more than 3,700 villages. It has forcibly displaced more than half a million people inside Burma, as well as causing more than a million refugees to flee across the border to neighboring countries and has made no efforts to move towards genuine democracy. The regime has locked up over 2,000 political prisoners, including monks, students, journalists, aid workers, and important democratic leaders.
- It is important to send a strong signal to the regime that the US government will continue to keep American money out of the hands of the junta and that we will never recognize their sham elections and an undemocratic constitution.
- Point out that other countries are increasingly following the US lead on sanctioning the military junta. The European Union, Canada, and Australia have all imposed sanctions on Burma.
- This is a bi-partisan efforts. Senators from both parties are invested in this cause.
- Aung San Suu Kyi herself has said that sanctions need to remain in place. In a recent interview, she said “Sanctions must remain in place. Sanctions should only be lifted when something has changed here [in the country]. There have been elections but the government that has taken over since the elections are the same as those who were in place before the elections. Nothing has changed in Burma [for] 20 years.”
IV) Ask if your Senator will cosponsor the renewal of this bill
It is likely that they will not give you an immediate answer because they need to ask your Senator. If that is the case, ask them politely when you will know about the final decision and how you can be informed.
V) Who should your Senators contact if they agree to co-sponsor the bill
Ask them to contact the following staffer, based on their party affiliations:
Democrats – Dan Saphire in Senator Feinstein’s office (D-CA) at (202) 224-3841
Republicans – Phil Maxson in Senator McConnell’s office (R-KY) at (202) 224-2541
VI) Ask them when you can call back to follow-up
VII) Optional. Add additional information about why YOU care about Burma. As Speaker of the House Tip O’Neal observed, “All politics is local,” meaning to be successful, you must bring the issue home. Your Senators represent YOU and they want to hear your concerns and interests. If you have traveled to refugee camps on Thailand-Burma border, know Burmese people, grew up in Burma, or simply care about human rights, be sure to let the staffer know.
VIII) Important. After your call, let us know how it went!
Send an email to myradah@uscampaignforburma.org and let us know how your conversation went. Please be as detailed as you can. That way we can measure the impact we’re making.
SECTION B - If you leave a voice-mail
I) Leave a brief message for the foreign policy staffer. Here is a suggestion for a message to leave:
“Hi, my name is [YOUR NAME] from [YOUR STATE]. I am calling because I would like to urge Senator [YOUR SENATOR'S NAME] to co-sponsor the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act. The bill is Senate Joint Resolution 17, it is being circulated by Senator Feinstein and Senator McConnell. I would appreciate it if you could call me back so we can discuss this further, or if you need a copy of the Senate Joint Resolution 17. My number is (xxx) xxx-xxxx. Thank you!”
II) Call back (politely) everyday until you talk to the staffer in charge of foreign affairs. Staffers are very busy, so it often takes a few persistent calls to get their attention. Once you reach them on the phone, follow the instructions in section “A”.
III) Let us know how it went. Send an email to myradah@uscampaignforburma.org with the details of your conversation with the staffer.
SECTION C- If the receptionist offers to take a message
I) Politely ask to be transferred to the staffer’s voicemail, then follow the instructions in Section B to leave a voice message on the phone of the staffer in charge of foreign affairs.
II) If the receptionist does not transfer you, politely leave a message with the receptionist using the suggested script:
“Hi, my name is [YOUR NAME] from [YOUR STATE]. I am calling because I would like to urge Senator [YOUR SENATOR'S NAME] to co-sponsor the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act. The bill is Senate Joint Resolution 17, it is being circulated by Senator Feinstein and Senator McConnell. I would appreciate it if the staffer [NAME OF THE STAFFER IN CHARGE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS] could call me back so we can discuss this further, or if the staffer needs a copy of the Senate Joint Resolution 17. My number is (xxx) xxx-xxxx. Thank you!”
III) Don’t be discouraged if you do not get forwarded to the voicemail. Every office is different with regard to how the receptionist handles phone calls.
5. After your call
Email myradah@uscampaignforburma.org and let us know how your call went. Or if you have any questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to give shoot us an email or give us a call at (202) 234-8022. We love to hear from you.
IMPORTANT: Remember to call BOTH of your senators.
Jeff Sessions (R) phone: (202) 224-4124
Richard C. Shelby (R) phone: (202) 224 574
Mark Begich (D) - Cosponsor
Lisa Murkowski (R) – Cosponsor
John Kyl (R) phone - Cosponsor
John McCain (R) - Cosponsor
John Boozman (R) – Cosponsor
Mark Pryor (D) phone: (202) 224-2353
Barbara Boxer (D) – Cosponsor
Dianne Feinstein (D) - Cosponsor
Michael Bennet (D) – Cosponsor
Mark Udall (D) - Cosponsor
Richard Blumenthal (D) – Cosponsor
Joseph Lieberman (I) - Cosponsor
Thomas R. Carper (D) phone: (202) 224-2441
Chris Coons (D) phone: (202) 224-5042
Marco Rubio (R) – Cosponsor
Bill Nelson (D) phone: (202) 224-5274
Saxby Chambliss (R) – Cosponsor
Johnny Isakson (R) – Cosponsor
Daniel Akaka (D) phone: (202) 224-6361
Daniel Inouye (D) phone: (202) 224-3934
Michael D. Crapo (R) phone: (202) 224-6142
Jim Risch (R) – Cosponsor
Mark Steven Kirk (R) – Cosponsor
Richard Durbin (D) - Cosponsor
Dan Coats (R) phone - Cosponsor
Richard Lugar (R) – Cosponsor
Charles E. Grassley (R) phone: (202) 224-3744
Tom Harkin (D) phone - Cosponsor
Jerry Moran (R) phone: (202) 224-6521
Pat Roberts (R) phone: (202) 224-4774
Rand Paul (R) phone: (202) 224-4343
Mitch McConnell (R) - Cosponsor
Mary Landrieu (D) phone: (202) 224-5824
David Vitter (R) phone: (202) 224-4623
Olympia Snowe (R) – Cosponsor
Susan Collins (R) - Cosponsor
Benjamin Cardin (D) – Cosponsor
Barbara Mikulski (D) – Cosponsor
Scott Brown (R) – Cosponsor
John Kerry (D) phone: (202) 224-2742
Carl Levin (D) phone: (202) 224-6221
Debbie Stabenow (D) phone: (202) 224-4822
Al Franken (D) – Cosponsor
Amy Klobuchar (D) - Cosponsor
Thad Cochran (R) - Cosponsor
Roger Wicker (R) – Cosponsor
Roy Blunt (R) phone: (202) 224-5721
Claire McCaskill (D) phone: (202) 224-6154
Max Baucus (D) phone: (202) 224-2651
Jon Tester (D) phone – Cosponsor
Mike Johanns (R) – Cosponsor
Ben Nelson (D) phone: (202) 224-6551
Dean Heller (R) phone: (202) 224-6244
Harry Reid (D) phone: (202) 224-3542
Kelly Ayotte (R) phone: (202) 224-3324
Jeanne Shaheen (D) – Cosponsor
Frank R Lautenberg – Cosponsor
Robert Menendez - Cosponsor
Jeff Bingaman (D) phone: (202) 224-5521
Tom Udall (D) – Cosponsor
Kirsten Gillibrand (D) – Cosponsor
Charles Schumer (D) - Cosponsor
Richard Burr (R) – Cosponsor
Kay Hagan (D) phone - Cosponsor
Kent Conrad (D) phone: (202) 224-2043
John Hoeven (R) – Cosponsor
Sherrod Brown (D) – Cosponsor
Rob Portman (R) phone: (202) 224-3353
Tom Coburn (R) - Cosponsor
James Inhofe (R) - Cosponsor
Jeff Merkley (D) – Cosponsor
Ron Wyden (D) - Cosponsor
Bob Casey (D) phone: (202) 224-6324
Patrick Toomey (R) phone: (202) 224-4254
Jack Reed (D) phone: (202) 224-4642
Sheldon Whitehouse (D) - Cosponsor
Jim DeMint (R) phone: (202) 224-6121
Lindsey Graham (R) phone: (202) 224-5972
Tim Johnson (D) - Cosponsor
John Thune (R) phone: (202) 224-2321
Lamar Alexander (R) - Cosponsor
Bob Corker (R) phone: (202) 224-3344
John Cornyn (R) – Cosponsor
Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R) – Cosponsor
Mike Lee (R) phone: (202) 224-5444
Orrin Hatch (R) phone: (202) 224-5251
Patrick Leahy (D) - Cosponsor
Bernard Sanders (I) - Cosponsor
Mark Warner (D) phone: (202) 224-2023
Maria Cantwell (D) – Cosponsor
Patty Murray (D) phone: (202) 224-2621
Joe Manchin III (D) phone: (202) 224-3954
John D. Rockefeller IV (D) phone: (202) 224-6472
Ron Johnson (R) – Cosponsor
Herb Kohl (D) – Cosponsor
John Barrasso (R) – Cosponsor
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