Politisphere

S. 3981: BRAVE Burma Act

A Senate bill (S.) in the 119th U.S. Congress.

Overview

Congress119th U.S. Congress (2025–2026)
TypeSenate bill (S.)
Originating chamberSenate
Introduced2026-03-04
SponsorSen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]
Policy areaInternational Affairs
Cosponsors10
Latest action2026-03-04 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Last updated2026-07-23

Summary

Official summary (Introduced in Senate, 2026-03-04):

Bringing Real Accountability Via Enforcement in Burma Act or the BRAVE Burma Act

This bill extends and expands a law imposing sanctions on Burma. The bill also requires the Department of State to appoint a Special Envoy for Burma.

Current law authorizes, and in some cases requires, the President to impose sanctions on certain Burmese state-owned enterprises, Burmese officials and family members, and other foreign persons. The bill extends this law through December 23, 2032. The bill also requires the President to annually determine, for the next seven years, whether the Myanma Economic Bank, any Burmese state-owned enterprise financially benefiting the Burmese military and not operating in the industrial or extractive sectors, or foreign persons operating in Burma's jet fuel sector meet the criteria for required sanctions under (1) the previously mentioned law; or (2) Executive Order 14014, Blocking Property With Respect to the Situation in Burma

The U.S. Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) must advocate and vote to limit any increase to Burma's IMF shareholding while Burma's State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC) or any successor governing authority is in power. (The SSPC, led by military commander Min Aung Hlaing, existed from July 31, 2025, until April 10, 2026. It was dissolved when a nominally civilian but military-led government was installed, led by now President Min Aung Hlaing.) 

The State Department must appoint a Special Envoy for Burma with the rank and status of ambassador and responsibility for coordinating all aspects of U.S. policy regarding Burma.

Cosponsors (10)

NameParty / state
Todd Young R IN (original cosponsor) 2026-03-04
Mitch McConnell R KY (original cosponsor) 2026-03-04
Jeff Merkley D OR (original cosponsor) 2026-03-04
Angela D. Alsobrooks D MD 2026-04-13
Michael F. Bennet D CO 2026-04-21
Adam B. Schiff D CA 2026-06-02
Richard J. Durbin D IL 2026-06-08
Ron Wyden D OR 2026-06-11
Kirsten E. Gillibrand D NY 2026-06-24
Peter Welch D VT 2026-07-22

Full text & official record

The official bill text, section-by-section summary, amendments, committee reports, and the complete legislative timeline for S. 3981 are published by Congress on congress.gov.

View S. 3981 on congress.gov →

Frequently asked questions

What is S. 3981?

S. 3981 is a Senate bill (S.) introduced in the 119th U.S. Congress, originating in the Senate. Official title: BRAVE Burma Act.

Where can I read the full bill text?

The full text, cosponsors, amendments, and legislative status for S. 3981 are available on congress.gov.

Bill data: congress.gov API (official congressional records).