During a news conference in which she outlined aid available to Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, the first lady said the highest civilian award in the United States, is "just another way, like the Senate and the House caucuses on Burma, that let the people of Burma know that the United States is standing with them."

Bush is expected to sign the legislation Tuesday.

Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy, has been under house arrest for 12 years. Results of the 1990 general election showed Suu Kyi earned the right to be prime minister, but her detention prevented her from assuming that role.

Laura Bush said she doubted Suu Kyi would come to the United States to receive the medal.

The military junta "might let her come accept; they might not let her ever go back," Bush said. "I don't think she would ever do that, because she couldn't be assured that she could go home. That's why she didn't go see her husband when he was dying in England."