Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Feb. 4: The United States has restored and approved Tibet-related foreign assistance for fiscal year 2026, reaffirming bipartisan congressional support for the Tibetan people. The legislation, which passed both chambers of Congress, was signed into law by President Donald Trump on February 3, 2026.
Under the FY2026 appropriations law, funding for Tibet has been maintained at historically appropriated levels. A total of $23 million has been allocated for Tibet-related programs, reflecting Congress’s continued commitment to supporting Tibetan communities both within Tibet and in exile.
The legislation also restores funding for the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), a move that is expected to pave the way for the resumption of Tibetan-language services of Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia (RFA). Tibetan broadcasts by VOA and RFA had previously been disrupted following funding cuts and operational suspensions at USAGM. However, the bill does not explicitly mandate the immediate restart of Tibetan-language services.
Of the total allocation, $10 million has been earmarked for nongovernmental organizations with experience working with Tibetan communities. These funds are intended to support efforts to preserve Tibetan cultural traditions and promote sustainable development, education, and environmental conservation inside Tibet.
An additional $8 million has been designated for programs that promote Tibetan culture and language among refugee and diaspora communities. This funding also aims to strengthen the resilience of Tibetan communities in exile and support the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in India and Nepal, with particular emphasis on nurturing the next generation of Tibetan leaders.
A further $5 million has been appropriated to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Central Tibetan Administration. Of this amount, up to $1.5 million may be used for economic growth and capacity-building initiatives, including assistance to displaced Tibetan refugee families in India and Nepal to help meet basic needs and improve livelihoods.
Welcoming the decision, the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) said the legislation underscores Congress’s enduring commitment to the Tibetan cause. “ICT thanks the members of the Appropriations Committees and their staff for their dedication to supporting the Tibetan people and is glad to see that Congress remains firmly committed to providing these vital funds,” said ICT President Tencho Gyatso, expressing hope for the swift resumption of VOA and RFA Tibetan-language broadcasts.
