Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Nov 12: On November 5th, US lawmakers who have been instrumental in the passage and support of the Resolve Tibet Act were re-elected to the US House of Representatives.
Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Representative Jim McGovern, and Representative Michael McCaul were all successfully re-elected to their respective seats.
President Penpa Tsering, the political leader of the Central Tibetan Administration, sent letters of congratulations to Speaker Emerita Pelosi and Congressman McGovern. In the letters, Tsering expressed gratitude for their longstanding commitment to the Tibetan cause and human rights worldwide.
The Democratically elected president of CTA wrote that Pelosi’s and McGovern’s continued presence in Congress represents “a beacon of hope” not only for their constituents, but for advocates of human rights and democracy globally. The letters highlighted the lawmakers’ leadership in championing legislative initiatives on Tibet and holding China accountable for human rights violations.
President Penpa Tsering expressed gratitude for Nancy Palosi’s support and conveyed hopeful anticipation of her continued leadership in advancing the cause of justice for Tibet and all oppressed peoples.
In his letter to Jim McGovern he stated, “The Tibetan people are truly fortunate to have such a dedicated friend and advocate in Congress, and we look forward to continuing our work together to advance the cause of human rights, dignity, and freedom for Tibet and oppressed peoples worldwide.”
Madam Pelosi has been a member of the U.S. House of Representatives since 1987 and served as the Speaker of the House from 2007 to 2011, and again from 2019 to 2023. She is the first woman to have been elected as the Speaker of the House. Madam Pelosi has visited Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, and Dharamshala, the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile, and met with Tibetan leaders including His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Mr. James McGovern has been a member of the U.S. House of Representatives since 1997 and serves as the Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China. His principled support for the Tibetan cause has been steadfast. However, on July 31st, 2022, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced that it has imposed sanctions on Mr. McGovern, accusing him of “maliciously spreading lies and disinformation” about China’s internal affairs, and banned him and his family members from entering China. In response, Mr. McGovern stated that if the Chinese leadership is not ashamed of their harsh treatment of the Tibetan people and other human rights abuses, the world is watching, and he will continue to advocate for human rights.
In June, After the passage of the Resolve Tibet Act in both the Houses of the United States Congress, a bipartisan US Congressional delegation led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul visited Dharamshala, the seat of the Tibetan exile government despite Chinese Authorities opposition. The delegation included Speaker Emerita Pelosi, House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks, House Rules Committee Ranking Member Jim McGovern, and other representatives.
My hearty congratulations to all those Congressional leaders, who support human rights and just causes all over the world, for their election victory. I wish you all the success in your future noble causes! May you have a very successful term in the US Congress!