Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has begun a two-week visit to the United States, where she is to receive Congress' highest honor.

Aung San Suu Kyi traveled Monday to Washington, the city where she will spend the first four days of her trip. There she will receive the Congressional Gold Medal and also is expected to meet with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

While in Washington, the Nobel Peace Prize winner will make an appearance at the Voice of America.

Other stops on her visit include the states of California, New York and Indiana. Fort Wayne, Indiana is home to one of the country's largest Burmese-American communities.

Aung San Suu Kyi's visit coincides with next week's visit by Burmese President Thein Sein, who will address the United Nations General Assembly.

President Obama is considering relaxing some of the tough sanctions imposed on Burma because of the former military government's poor human rights record.

Conditions have improved since the nominally civilian government came to power last year, including freedom for hundreds of political prisoners. Aung San Suu Kyi, who spent nearly 20 years under house arrest, is now a member of the Burmese parliament.