2021: Schweikert Voted To Condemn The Myanmar Military Coup That Occurred On February 1, 2021 And Call For The Release Of Coup Prisoners, The Return Of Power To The Civilian Government And Removal Of Speech And Travel Restrictions. In March 2021, Schweikert voted for a resolution which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "express that the House of Representatives condemns the Feb. 1, 2021, military coup in Myanmar. It would condemn any attacks on civilians and call on the Myanmar armed forces to release individuals detained as a result of the coup; return to power all members of the civilian government; and remove impediments on communications, expression and travel." The vote was on passage. The House passed the resolution by a vote of 398-14. [House Vote 97, 3/19/21; Congressional Quarterly, 3/19/21; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 134]
According To A Democratic Aide, House Republicans Were Concerned Over A Provision Of The Resolution That Referenced Election Integrity, Which Was Included Because Myanmar's Military Claimed The Last General Election Was Fraudulent. According to The Hill, "The Democratic aide said House Republicans had raised concerns over language in the resolution referencing election integrity. Members of Myanmar's ruling party, the National League for Democracy (NLD) were deposed last month, with the military claiming that last year's general election was invalid." [The Hill, 3/19/21]
The Resolution Encouraged The Military Junta To Release Myanmar's Civilian Leaders From Prison And Permit Elected Officials To Return To Their Governmental Posts. According to The Hill, "The House resolution specifically calls on the junta to release Myanmar's civilian leaders from detention and allow elected officials to return to their seats in parliament." [The Hill, 3/19/21]
The Resolution Called On The President And State Department To Urge The Civilian Government's Return To Leadership And To Address The Oppression Of Ethnic Minorities. According to Congressional Quarterly, "call on the president and the State Department to encourage the return to power of civilian government and constitutional reforms to address disenfranchisement of ethnic minorities." [Congressional Quarterly, 3/19/21]
The Resolution Sought To Ensure U.S. Social Media Sites Would Not Spread Disinformation About Myanmar. According to Congressional Quarterly, "ensure platforms provided by U.S.-based social media companies like Facebook cannot be used for disinformation campaigns or for advocating violence against the people in Myanmar." [Congressional Quarterly, 3/19/21]
2021: Schweikert Voted To Impose Restrictions And Sanctions Towards Myanmar Armed Forces, With Exemptions For Humanitarian Aid. In March 2021, Schweikert voted for a resolution which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "impose various restrictions aimed at the Myanmar armed forces and those responsible for the coup, including targeted sanctions allowing exemptions for the delivery of humanitarian assistance." The vote was on passage. The House passed the resolution by a vote of 398-14. [House Vote 97, 3/19/21; Congressional Quarterly, 3/19/21; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 134]