Ros-Lehtinen, Engel, Yoho, and Sherman Introduce Tibet Policy Concurrent Resolution

Ros-Lehtinen, Engel, Yoho, and Sherman Introduce Tibet Policy Concurrent Resolution

(Washington, DC) – Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Chairman Emeritus of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today introduced, alongside Reps. Ted Yoho (R-FL) and Brad Sherman (D-CA), the respective Chairman and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, H. Con. Res. 89, Expressing the sense of Congress with respect to United States policy toward Tibet and that the treatment of the Tibetan people should be an important factor in the conduct of United States relations with the People’s Republic of China.

Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:

“China’s repression of the Tibetan people represents a serious threat to the region’s stability and must be a higher priority in U.S. foreign policy. With President Trump traveling to China next week, this resolution sets a clear blueprint for Tibet policy in U.S.-Chinese relations, outlining where the United States needs to take a stronger hand and stand up to Beijing’s bullying. As we mark the 10-year anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama receiving the Congressional Gold Medal, U.S. policy must work to reverse China’s dangerous behavior and finally achieve a negotiated solution that includes meaningful autonomy for the Tibetan people.”

Statement by Engel:

“China’s systematic oppression of the Tibetan people is increasing in intensity and cruelty. So when the President travels to China in the coming days, I hope he makes it clear that human rights and democratic values are central components of American foreign policy. As the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, His Holiness the Dalai Llama has inspired the world for decades with principled and peaceful leadership, a stark contrast to a regime in Beijing bent on consolidating economic and political power. Congress has long supported the cause of the Tibetan people, from the Tibetan Policy Act to awarding the Dalai Llama the Congressional Gold Medal. This resolution calls on the Trump Administration to continue America’s principled support of Tibetan people’s right to preserve their own distinct cultural identity.”