McGovern, McCaul Introduce Legislation to Assure Continued Engagement with the Tibetan People After the Dalai Lama

Today, U.S. Representatives James P. McGovern (MA-02) and Michael McCaul (TX-10) introduced legislation to strengthen the United States's commitment to the aspirations of the Tibetan people for human rights and dignity. The ''Assuring the Future of Tibet Act of 2026" would empower the U.S. government to continue its engagement with the Central Tibetan Administration after the 14^th Dalai Lama has passed.

"Congress has a long-standing abiding interest in resolving the dispute between Tibet and China," said Congressman McGovern. "Sadly, the Dalai Lama won't be with us forever. We must ensure that the U.S. government has the authority and the tools to continue its advocacy for the fundamental human rights of the Tibetan people. Essential to this effort, we must support the Central Tibetan Administration as the legitimate, democratically elected representative of the Tibetan people.

"Decades after the Dalai Lama and his people fled the Chinese Communist Party's persecution on a perilous journey to India, the CCP continues to threaten Tibetans' faith and freedom," said Congressman McCaul. "As I promised his Holiness when I visited Dharamshala, the United States will always with stand Tibetans in their pursuit of self-determination. I'm proud to support this important bill to permanently cement our commitment to the Tibetan people and guarantee unbreakable ties with their democratic leadership."

The legislation:

• Makes it U.S. policy to maintain engagement with the Tibetan people directly and through their democratically elected leadership and religious and cultural leaders;
• States that that the Central Tibetan Administration represents continuity of governance of the Tibetan people as established by the Dalai Lama;
• Supports the Tibetan people's free exercise of their fundamental and universal human rights under international law, including the right to self-determination; and
• Affirms commitment to a resolution of the dispute between Tibet and China as a matter of strategic interest to the United States.

To carry out its objectives, the legislation directs the U.S. government to:

• Advocate for the Central Tibetan Administration to be given observer status within the United Nations system and in relevant international bodies and groupings;

• Grant officials of the Central Tibetan Administration with appropriate senior levels of engagement and diplomatic courtesies by the U.S. government, possibly to include the extension of diplomatic security and privileges and immunities.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.