title: Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act of 2008
text: # Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act of 2008
  
  The Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE (Junta's Anti-Democratic Efforts) Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110–286 (text) (PDF), 122 Stat. 2632, enacted July 29, 2008) is a United States act of Congress, that bars gemstones -- specifically rubies and jadeite -- from Burma from entering the United States via third party countries.
  
  ## Provisions
  
  As of 2008, gemstones are Burma's third largest source of income.
  
  The bill also bars generals and their associates in Burma from acquiring visas to enter the United States and increases financial sanctions against the Burmese government. The ban does not apply to gems imported for personal use nor to exports of Burmese gems from the U.S or prevent U.S. sales of Burmese gems already in the United States.
  
  ## Name
  
  The Act was named for Tom Lantos, former chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
  
  