Merkley, Risch Lead Bipartisan Push to Strengthen the United States’ Commitment to Tibet

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) partnered with Jim Risch (R-ID), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, to lead the introduction of the Assuring the Future of Tibet Act. The bipartisan bill would strengthen U.S. engagement with the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the democratically elected representative of the Tibetan people, and ensure that American support for Tibet endures beyond the lifetime of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

"Human rights and basic dignity for the people of Tibet cannot be ignored. Our bipartisan bill sends a clear message that the United States will stand with Tibet in its fight for these fundamental freedoms and the promise of tomorrow," said Merkley. "As long as the People's Republic of China continues to ignore the rights of Tibet under international law, America will not abandon the Tibetan people."

"The Chinese Communist Party has sought to erase Tibetan culture, religion, and language, among other grievous actions. What Beijing has done to Tibet, they want to do elsewhere to anyone who defies the CCP," said Risch. "This bill supports the Tibetan people, key partners in pushing back against China's authoritarianism, and counters China's malign influence at the United Nations."

The Assuring the Future of Tibet Act would:

• Recognize the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) as the legitimate representative of the Tibetan people and the continuity of governance established by the Dalai Lama, and direct the Secretary of State to engage with the Sikyong and designated representatives at the most senior levels;
• Support the Tibetan people's human rights and right to self-determination by advocating at the UN for CTA observer status and equal access across the UN system;
• Build international recognition of the CTA by pressing for its inclusion in relevant international bodies and organizing like-minded partners and allies behind that effort;
• Elevate the Sikyong's standing by extending appropriate diplomatic courtesies, including security consistent with that afforded to a head of government, and considering privileges and immunities for CTA officials;
• Affirm that resolving the Tibet-China dispute is a U.S. strategic interest and urge the People's Republic of China (PRC) to address Tibetan aspirations for their distinct identity;
• Name the Gaden Phodrang Trust the sole authority to recognize Dalai Lamas, ensuring U.S. support endures beyond the 14th Dalai Lama; and
• Require a report to Congress on implementation, which may be consolidated into existing State Department reporting.

The bipartisan Assuring the Future of Tibet Act is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Todd Young (R-IN), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Rick Scott (R-FL).

As a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and past Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), Merkley has led the charge to shine a light on human rights struggles under the Chinese government, which oppresses Tibetans, Uyghurs, Hong Kongers, dissidents, and others. Merkley's bipartisan Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act was signed into law to support Tibetan self-determination and promote dialogue between the Chinese authorities and the Dalai Lama toward a peaceful resolution of the long-standing dispute between Tibet and China.

Full text of the Assuring the Future of Tibet Act can be found by clicking here.

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