The U.S. House of Representatives has approved legislation required to renew a law banning U.S. imports from Burma.
Lawmakers passed the measure Monday in response to what they call continuing oppression by Burma's military government. A similar bill is under consideration in the U.S. Senate.
House members noted that Burma's military government has failed to make demonstrated progress toward implementing democracy.
The key bill sponsor, Democrat Tom Lantos, said Rangoon's elite must understand that they will be unable to enrich themselves off the American consumer.
Congress first approved the Burma Freedom and Democracy Act after the May 2003 attack by a government-supported mob on a convoy carrying Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The import ban requires renewal every year.