WASHINGTON (AFP) - The US House of Representatives on Wednesday approved renewal of sanctions on Myanmar first passed in 2003 in response to alleged rights violations and failure to adopt democratic reforms. Lawmakers adopted the measure by voice vote. The annual legislation, which has passed easily in Congress in the past, bans the import of goods from Myanmar, including lucrative gems, and restricts visas issued to govt officials in the country. The US Senate was expected to approve a companion measure as soon as it won approval.