[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 10, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H8103-H8107]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 WELCOMING HIS HOLINESS THE FOURTEENTH DALAI LAMA AND RECOGNIZING HIS 
    COMMITMENT TO NON-VIOLENCE, HUMAN RIGHTS, FREEDOM, AND DEMOCRACY

  Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 359) welcoming His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai 
Lama and recognizing his commitment to non-violence, human rights, 
freedom, and democracy.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 359

       Whereas for over 40 years in exile, His Holiness the 
     Fourteenth Dalai Lama has used his position and leadership to 
     promote compassion and non-violence as a solution to not only 
     the present crisis in Tibet, but to other long-running 
     conflicts around the world;
       Whereas the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 
     1989 in recognition of his efforts to seek a peaceful 
     resolution to the situation in Tibet, and to promote 
     nonviolent methods for resolving conflict;
       Whereas the Dalai Lama has been a strong voice for the 
     basic human rights of all peoples, particularly freedom of 
     religion;
       Whereas the Dalai Lama has personally promoted democratic 
     self-government for Tibetans in exile as a model for securing 
     freedom for all Tibet, including relinquishing his political 
     positions and turning these authorities over to elected 
     Tibetan representatives;
       Whereas the Dalai Lama seeks a solution for Tibet that 
     provides genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people and does not 
     call for independence and separation from the People's 
     Republic of China;
       Whereas the envoys of the Dalai Lama have traveled to China 
     and Tibet twice in the past year to begin discussions with 
     Chinese authorities on a permanent negotiated settlement of 
     the Tibet issue;
       Whereas the successful advancement of these discussions is 
     in the strong interest of both the Chinese and Tibetan 
     people; and
       Whereas it is the policy of the United States to support 
     substantive dialogue between the Government of the People's 
     Republic of China and the Dalai Lama or his representatives: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of 
     Representatives that--
       (1) the visit of the Dalai Lama to the United States in 
     September 2003 is warmly welcomed;
       (2) the Dalai Lama should be recognized and congratulated 
     for his consistent efforts to promote dialogue to peacefully 
     resolve the Tibet issue and to increase the religious and 
     cultural autonomy of the Tibetan people; and
       (3) all parties to the current discussions should be 
     encouraged by the Government of the United States to deepen 
     these contacts in order to achieve the aspirations of the 
     people of Tibet for genuine autonomy and basic human rights.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Iowa (Mr. Leach) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach).


                             General Leave

  Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and 
to include extraneous material on H. Res. 359, the resolution under 
consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Iowa?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  At the outset, I would like to express my great appreciation for the 
distinguished ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Lantos), for his long interest in this issue and congratulate the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Rothman) for sponsoring this thoughtful 
and timely resolution welcoming his Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, 
and recognizing his commitment to nonviolence, human rights, freedom, 
and democracy.
  As my colleagues may be aware, the Dalai Lama, Tibet's spiritual 
leader in exile, is in the United States for a 3-week lecture and 
teaching tour. While he is in Washington, his Holiness is expected to 
meet with President Bush and other senior administration officials to 
update them on the status of contacts between his envoys and 
representatives of the People's Republic of China.
  The United States is encouraged that China invited the Dalai Lama's 
envoys to visit the Beijing and Tibetan regions in the fall of 2002 and 
again in the spring of 2003. The resumption of direct contacts has been 
accompanied by the release of several high-profile Tibetan political 
prisoners in what appears to be a softening of rhetoric regarding the 
Dalai Lama and the Tibet issue in the official Chinese media. Despite 
these encouraging signs of progress, however, severe human rights 
abuses and tight controls on fundamental freedoms persist in Tibet.
  To date, the Chinese have insisted that the Dalai Lama renounce the 
prospect of independence before a substantive dialogue can resume. 
Although the Dalai Lama heads a ``government in exile'' in India, he 
has stated publicly and repeatedly he is seeking greater autonomy and 
not independence for Tibet.
  While the United States Government recognizes Tibet as part of China, 
it is the policy of the U.S. to support respect for the human rights of 
all Chinese citizens, including ethnic Tibetans. To emphasize our 
concerns in this regard, Secretary Powell has appointed a special 
coordinator for Tibetan issues. The U.S. continues to raise Tibet 
during bilateral and multilateral exchanges with Chinese leaders.

[[Page H8104]]

  While the U.S. does not have official diplomatic relations with the 
``government in exile'' in Dharamsala, the U.S. maintains contact with 
a wide variety of groups inside and outside of China, including with 
Tibetans in the United States, China, and around the world. Our 
contacts include meetings with the Dalai Lama in his capacity as an 
important and revered spiritual leader and Nobel Prize laureate. It is 
a sign of enormous respect and affection for the Dalai Lama that the 
President, the Secretary of State, and other senior administration 
officials meet with him on an ongoing basis.
  The executive branch and Congress continue to urge the Chinese 
Government to respect fundamental freedoms, to refrain from detaining 
individuals for the peaceful expression of their views, and to protect 
and preserve Tibet's unique religious, cultural, and linguistic 
heritage. We are all likewise united in our desire to encourage Beijing 
to follow through on discussions with the Dalai Lama's special envoys 
and engage in substantive dialogue, hopefully leading to a negotiated 
settlement of outstanding issues.
  Finally, during these troubled times, it may be useful to reflect on 
the observations of His Holiness, who has spoken strongly of his desire 
for better understanding and respect among the different faiths and 
peoples of the world. ``The need for simple human-to-human 
relationships is becoming increasingly urgent,'' the Dalai Lama has 
noted. Today, he stresses, ``The world is smaller and increasingly 
interdependent. One nation's problems can no longer be solved by itself 
completely. Thus, without a sense of universal responsibility, our very 
survival becomes threatened. Basically, universal responsibility is 
feeling for other people's suffering just as we feel our own. This is 
the way to achieve a true understanding unfettered by artificial 
consideration.''
  These are the words of the Dalai Lama. With the Dalai Lama's poignant 
observations in mind, I would suggest that there is no better way to 
honor this distinguished spiritual leader and symbol of the aspirations 
of the Tibetan people than for Members to support this very thoughtful 
resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, 
and I rise in strong support of this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, first, I would like to commend my good friend from Iowa, 
the chairman of the subcommittee, the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach), 
and the chairman of our full committee, the gentleman from Illinois 
(Mr. Hyde), for facilitating the consideration of this resolution. I 
want also to commend my good friend, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. 
Rothman), for introducing this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Congress marked an important date. It was 
the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Congressional Human Rights 
Caucus, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama was the principal speaker at 
the festivities.
  Twenty years ago, my distinguished Republican colleague, who left us 
just a couple of years ago, Mr. Porter of Illinois, and I founded the 
Congressional Human Rights Caucus. For 2 decades, this organization, 
supported across the board by hundreds of colleagues, has fought for 
human rights in every part of the world.
  When we started the Human Rights Caucus, much of our attention was 
aimed at the Soviet Union, and the Soviet Union is no more. Many of the 
refuseniks and dissidents and persecuted political prisoners in the 
Soviet Union had their battle fought for them by the Congressional 
Human Rights Caucus.
  When we commenced the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, South Africa 
was an apartheid state divided on racial lines with strict punitive 
regulations impacting the black population. That South Africa exists no 
more. And it was one of the great joys of the Human Rights Caucus to 
have played a modest role in the liberation of Nelson Mandela.
  It was appropriate that the organization which has been the umbrella 
organization in the Congress of the United States for 2 decades on 
behalf of human rights across this globe, fighting discrimination on 
racial, ethnic, religious, political grounds, fighting discrimination 
against women, which is still so prevalent in many parts of the Islamic 
world, should have as its principal speaker His Holiness the Dalai 
Lama.
  The Dalai Lama is the embodiment of human rights on our planet. 
Despite the tragedies which have befallen the Tibetan people at the 
hands of the Chinese Communists since 1959, His Holiness has 
consistently called for a peaceful resolution of the Chinese Tibetan 
conflict. And it is a significant historic fact, Mr. Speaker, that 16 
years ago it was within the framework of the Congressional Human Rights 
Caucus that His Holiness the Dalai Lama presented his five-point peace 
plan calling for reconciliation between the Chinese authorities and the 
people of Tibet.
  When he first came here at our invitation 16 years ago, he was not 
seen by the Department of State; he could not go near the White House. 
Today, he is an honored guest at the White House. And the recognition 
that his work has received is demonstrated by the Dalai Lama being a 
recipient of the Nobel prize for peace.
  When we invited His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1987, none of us dared 
hope that his posture as a moral authority would rise to the heights it 
has attained. As we meet here this morning, there are strong 
indications that the Chinese at long last are ready to make their peace 
with Tibet and with the Dalai Lama.
  The Dalai Lama's representative, Lodi Gyari, was received in Beijing 
this summer. And when the British Prime Minister Tony Blair met with 
the new Chinese President, there was a serious, substantive, and 
constructive discussion of the role of Tibet within China. The 
Congressional Human Rights Caucus yesterday called on the government of 
China to invite His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Beijing so that at long 
last peace can prevail between the long-suffering people of Tibet and 
the Chinese Government.
  It is appropriate, Mr. Speaker, that this House express its respect 
and admiration for this great moral authority whose stature transcends 
Tibet, whose stature transcends his Buddhist principles, who stands 
globally as a symbol of peace, reconciliation, and an acceptance of 
pluralism on this small planet. I strongly urge all of my colleagues to 
support this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1200

  Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Kirk) who is such a leader on human rights issues in this 
body.
  Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time.
  We celebrate this week the 20th birthday of the Congressional Human 
Rights Caucus founded by my predecessor, John Porter, and the gentleman 
from California (Mr. Lantos). We think about the Lantoses and other 
families who were saved by Raoul Wallenberg, the living history and 
symbol of civil rights at the end of World War II. We think about one 
of the founders of the Democratic Party, Thomas Jefferson, and remember 
him largely for his legacy in human rights. We think about one of the 
founders of the Republican Party, Abraham Lincoln, and we think about 
his remembrance for human rights, and we are so lucky today to be in 
the presence of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, who is our generation's 
symbol for human rights.
  I thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Rothman) for putting this 
resolution together, the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde), and 
of course the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for bringing this 
so quickly to the floor during His Holiness' visit to Washington.
  The fourteenth Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan 
people, and he has been leading a nonviolent struggle for freedom for 
his people for 40 years.
  In 1959, the year I was born, he was forced to flee his Tibetan 
homeland and resettle in northern India. From Dharamsala, India, the 
Dalai Lama and his Tibetan government in exile have established a 
democracy under which the Tibetans in exile are free to practice their 
religion and lead a democratic life. However, while the Dalai Lama 
leads a small contingent in Dharamsala, there are over 6 million 
Tibetans living inside China, and his struggle is their struggle.

[[Page H8105]]

  In 1989, the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace prize in 
recognition of his work seeking a peaceful resolution of the Tibet 
problem. Congress has a strong history of supporting the Tibetan 
people. In 1987, it was the human rights caucus which hosted him on his 
first visit to Washington. At that time he unveiled his five-point 
peace plan. Congress and the U.S. Government continued to be supportive 
of the Tibetan cause for religious freedom, and we have established 
U.S. offices to help the Tibetan people, and we are encouraged by the 
recent dialogue between His Holiness and the Chinese government.
  Representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama have twice traveled to 
Beijing and Lhasa to bring further progress on the Tibetan issue. 
Hopefully the day is coming when Tibetans in exile can return to their 
homeland and Tibetans in Tibet can enjoy a freedom of religion and a 
rich cultural history upon which is a key value of our country.
  I want to recognize the leadership of the gentlewoman from California 
(Ms. Pelosi) who has been a dear friend of the Dalai Lama when it was a 
bit more of a lonely struggle, and I salute her leadership and the 
visit of the Dalai Lama.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), the distinguished Democratic 
leader. Since she first joined us in Congress, she has been an 
indefatigable fighter for human rights across the globe, but she has 
had a special relationship with the people of Tibet and His Holiness, 
the Dalai Lama. She has been the leader in calling for a peaceful 
reconciliation between the government in Beijing and the people of 
Tibet, and yesterday she graced us with her presence at the 20th 
commemoration of the birth of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus and 
the visit of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama.
  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time so I can join in praising the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. 
Rothman) for bringing this important resolution to the floor and for 
his leadership on the Subcommittee on Foreign Operations where he works 
closely with the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Kirk), and I commend the 
gentleman from Illinois also for making the issue of Tibet a priority. 
The gentleman from Illinois learned at the knee of John Porter who 
worked with the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), and I 
congratulate the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), the ranking 
member of the Committee on International Relations. He and John Porter 
founded the Human Rights Caucus 20 years ago. We observed that 
yesterday, and it was absolutely fitting and appropriate that His 
Holiness was the special guest speaker yesterday. What an honor it was 
for all of us. It brought luster to the Congress, and it was again a 
fitting tribute to the Human Rights Caucus.
  I thank the gentleman from California for his extraordinary 
leadership. When I first came to Congress in 1987, I was invited to a 
meeting with His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, and I was overwhelmed to 
receive such an invitation. He and John Porter were hosting the meeting 
in a small room. At that meeting His Holiness put forth his five points 
of autonomy, not independence, of nonviolence, protecting the 
environment and stopping the resettlement, et cetera, a very peaceful 
approach to a resolution of the conflict that could have been.
  The Chinese regime did not see it that way. They kept saying they say 
autonomy; they mean independence, and until they reject independence, 
we cannot have a conversation, and so these many years have gone by 
without a resolution.
  That is why I am pleased to rise in strong support of H. Res. 359, 
welcoming His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, and recognizing his commitment 
to nonviolence, human rights, freedom and democracy. I am proud to be 
an original cosponsor of the Rothman resolution, and I commend the 
gentleman for bringing this to the floor. The gentleman from California 
(Mr. Lantos) has a lifetime commitment to human rights, and in his 
position as co-chair and ranking member, he has spoken out for hundreds 
of thousands of victims of religious, ethnic, and political oppression 
all over the world.
  In 40 years in exile, His Holiness has used his position and 
leadership to promote wisdom, compassion, and nonviolence as a solution 
not only to the present crisis in Tibet, but to other long-standing 
conflicts around the world. We must heed the guidance of His Holiness. 
He is a constant reminder that the crisis in Tibet is a challenge to 
the conscience of the world. We have not forgotten the people of Tibet 
and their struggle. We must and will continue our efforts to improve 
their lot.
  The self-determination for Tibetans must be a priority in the U.S.-
China relationship. We know that more than a million Tibetans have died 
under the Chinese occupation as a result of torture, starvation and 
execution. More than 6,000 monasteries and irreplaceable jewels of 
Tibetan culture have been destroyed. Tibetans are routinely imprisoned 
and tortured for nonviolently expressing their views. Freedom of 
religion is severely curtailed. China is encouraging the large-scale 
settlement of nonTibetans into Tibet, which is overwhelming the Tibetan 
population in many areas and threatening its very culture.
  The U.S. Government knows the facts. In March 2003, the U.S. State 
Department issued its annual Country Report on Human Rights. The report 
documents continuing human rights abuses by the Chinese government in 
Tibet and states, ``Chinese authorities continue to commit serious 
human rights abuses, including instances of torture, arbitrary arrest, 
detention without public trial, and lengthy detention of Tibetan 
nationalists for peacefully expressing their political or religious 
views.''
  The survival of the Tibetan identity is an issue of urgent U.S. and 
international concern. That concern will not diminish until a 
negotiated solution is achieved and the rights of the Tibetan people 
are respected. This is an important time for the Tibetan people. 
Tibetans urge the world to support the Dalai Lama's proposal for the 
restoration of peace and human rights in Tibet. There is some reason 
for optimism, as has been mentioned. Envoys of His Holiness, the Dalai 
Lama, have traveled to China and Tibet twice in the past year to 
continue discussions with Chinese authorities on a permanent negotiated 
settlement.
  But unless the United States and other countries of the world are 
committed to meeting that challenge I mentioned that Tibet poses to the 
conscience of the world, then we cannot be consistent when we talk 
about human rights in any other part of the world. How can we talk 
about the violations of human rights and drastic actions we want to 
take in response to them one place and totally ignore them in Tibet? It 
undermines our moral authority to talk about human rights any place in 
the world unless we also talk about them in Tibet and China.
  Today we recognize the Dalai Lama for his efforts to peacefully 
resolve the Tibetan issue and to promote the human rights of the 
Tibetan people. I talked at the beginning of my remarks when I first 
met His Holiness as a new Member of Congress 16 years ago. I remember a 
number of years later when the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), 
Mr. Porter, and Senator George Mitchell and Senator Dole, then the 
Republican and Democratic leaders of the U.S. Senate, we all joined 
together and we had a speech by His Holiness in the Rotunda of the 
Capitol. It was a momentous occasion, and we moved from a very small 
room into the center of the Capitol of the United States.
  At that time, His Holiness told us about what was going on in Tibet, 
but he also was hopeful and optimistic about what could be in the 
future. I remember a personal story he told us when he was a little boy 
and he was already the Dalai Lama, he visited the United States. This 
was before he escaped from Tibet before the Chinese came in, but he 
came to the United States on a visit and President Franklin Roosevelt 
gave him a watch and he talked about that watch. It had the setting of 
the sun.
  It was one of those watches that showed it was day time with the sun 
coming up or going down and what that meant to him. So he has had a 
connection to our country since he was a child. Since he was a child he 
has been the Dalai Lama. His presence in the

[[Page H8106]]

United States any time is a blessing for all of us.
  Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate that we honor and welcome him as the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Rothman) has done so magnificently with 
this resolution. I urge my colleagues to unanimously support it.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Rothman), a distinguished former member 
of the Committee on International Relations whose interest on foreign 
policy has been retained even after he left our committee, and who is 
the author of this important resolution.
  Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my distinguished colleague, the 
ranking member of the Committee on International Relations, the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), who is a mentor to so many of 
us in this Congress and an example of what a Member of Congress can 
achieve not only in the Congress, but around the world with regard to 
human rights and so many other important issues.
  While I have left the Committee on International Relations, I have 
not left the field, so to speak. I join many distinguished friends and 
colleagues on the Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign 
Operations.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like acknowledge the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. 
Leach) for his work on the issues of human rights; and of course my 
cherished friend, the chairman of the Committee on International 
Relations, the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde) for all of his 
courtesies and leadership he has extended throughout the years. I would 
also like to thank the majority leader and our Democratic leader, the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi) whose eloquent remarks speak 
for themselves as to her long commitment to this issue of freedom for 
Tibet and the Tibetan people.
  Mr. Speaker, the issue of Tibet is not a new one to this House, as 
the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) and so many other Members 
have eloquently stated. Congress has been on record throughout these 
many, many years in support of the people of Tibet speaking out against 
the persecution of Tibetans, opposing the destruction of the 6,000 
monasteries in Tibet. Congress is on record condemning the torture and 
abuse of Tibetan monks and nuns. Congress is on record bringing the 
world's attention to the economic marginalization and impoverishment of 
Tibetans in their own land.

                              {time}  1215

  We as a Congress have also provided support for the Tibetan refugees 
who have made the difficult journey and decision to leave Tibet and 
seek refuge from persecution in foreign lands. I am proud to add my 
voice as the sponsor of this resolution in support of the Tibetan 
people, led, of course, by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. That is because 
I believe that it is not only our obligation as freedom-loving 
Americans who believe in the value of each individual's human rights 
and dignity but because it is our moral duty, I believe, as human 
beings to speak out for the voiceless, the powerless, and the victims 
in the world.
  Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 359 welcomes His Holiness the Dalai 
Lama to the United States and recognizes the Dalai Lama for his efforts 
to peacefully resolve the Tibetan issue. The measure encourages 
dialogue between the relevant parties, China and Tibet, in order to 
achieve genuine autonomy and respect for the human rights and religious 
freedoms of the people of Tibet.
  Since 1959 when His Holiness the Dalai Lama was forced to flee his 
homeland of Tibet and seek refuge in India, he has worked tirelessly to 
improve the lives of Tibetans both inside and outside of Tibet and for 
a peaceful resolution to the conflict so that his fellow Tibetans can 
return to their homeland. The Dalai Lama has promoted a democratically 
elected government for Tibetans in exile located in Dharamsala, India; 
and he remains the head of state and spiritual leader of the Tibetan 
people. But His Holiness has indicated that should a negotiated 
settlement be reached on the issue of Tibet, he would not play any role 
in a future Tibetan government or seek the Dalai Lama's traditional 
political responsibilities. The Dalai Lama has also actively worked to 
sustain the distinct cultural and religious identity of Tibetans, which 
can be seen in Tibetan communities in India, Nepal, and in so many 
places around the world.
  His Holiness the Dalai Lama has taken the courageous step of 
promoting his middle path, the middle-way approach, which provides 
genuine autonomy for Tibetans but does not call for independence or 
separation of Tibet. For over 40 years, His Holiness has been a leader 
in promoting nonviolent solutions for conflicts across the globe and 
has been a vocal supporter of human rights for all people, including 
the freedom of religion. He was, as we know, awarded the Nobel Peace 
Prize in 1989 for these efforts.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to support House Resolution 
359 and ask for them to continue to speak out so that one day Tibetans 
will be afforded the basic human rights that every single human being 
on this planet deserves.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Duncan). The time of the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Lantos) has expired.
  Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Minnesota (Ms. McCollum).
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to welcome His Holiness, the 14th 
Dalai Lama of Tibet, and to join with my colleagues in support of this 
resolution. The Dalai Lama's steadfast leadership and commitment to 
peace and positive social change for the people of Tibet has been a 
model for this world. His continued defense of human rights worldwide 
is an inspiration to all of us.
  In 2001, the Dalai Lama made a very special visit to Minnesota. It 
was an honor to have him in our State. It was a unique and exciting 
experience for all Minnesotans, but especially for the thousand 
Tibetans living in Minnesota. The Dalai Lama brought a message of 
faith, self-examination, and compassion to us in Minnesota. He 
continues to encourage all of us to take a firm position regarding 
principled matters, such as human rights, democracy, and religious 
freedom. Today, the Dalai Lama's message continues to resonate, and it 
is truly more important than ever. The defense of political, religious, 
and human rights requires constant vigilance. We must work with such 
inspirational leaders as the Dalai Lama to promote human rights, 
health, healing, opportunity, and hope for the people of Tibet, the 
United States, and the world.
  I encourage all of my colleagues to take a moment to reflect on this 
very special message of peace, hope, and humanity that the Dalai Lama 
brings to us. This week I would urge all of my colleagues to join 
together in reflecting once again in peace, hope, and opportunity for 
our world. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos).
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I merely want to underscore how significant 
it is that across the political spectrum, Republicans and Democrats 
join forces in paying tribute both to the concept of the role of human 
rights in U.S. foreign policy and to the embodiment of human rights on 
this planet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
  Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  It is always awkward for this Congress, or any body, to comment on 
the affairs of other societies; but the uniqueness of our foundation as 
a nation state was that we were the first country established on the 
principle of individual rights which were assumed to be universal, not 
simply particular to those living in the original 13 colonies.
  Thus we have an obligation to our forbears to speak to the 
universality of political values, rights endowed by a Creator to all 
citizens of this planet. It is in this context that we recognize the 
transcendent universality of the Dalai Lama's mantle of leadership 
values which track so consistently our heritage.
  I urge Members to support this resolution.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize His 
Holiness, the Dalai Lama for his commitment to non-violence, human 
rights, freedom, and democracy. I would like to thank Congressman 
Rothman for introducing this bill for such an enigmatic and charismatic 
person whose lifetime we have the privilege of witnessing.

[[Page H8107]]

  In 1959, the Dalai Lama was forced to flee his homeland of Tibet and 
seek refuge in India. In over 40 years in exile, the Dalai Lama has 
remained a true leader with integrity, inspiring others with his 
actions and philosophies. He has promoted compassion, non-violence, and 
peace as a solution both to the current crisis in Tibet and to other 
conflicts around the world.
  The Dalai Lama has promoted democratic self-government and self-
determination for Tibetans in exile as a model for securing freedom for 
all of Tibet, and he demonstrated his commitment thereto by 
relinquishing his political positions and turning these authorities 
over to elected Tibetan representatives. He works now for a peaceful 
solution for the Tibetan crisis that promises a future of autonomy; 
however, he has not called for independence and separation from China.
  The Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 in 
recognition of his nonviolent methods for resolving conflict and his 
continuous efforts to create a peaceful resolution in Tibet.
  I am proud to say that Congress has consistently supported the people 
of Tibet, speaking out against the persecution of Tibetans, and 
opposing the destruction of over 6,000 monasteries. The torture and 
abuse of Tibetan monks and nuns is unacceptable, and we must do more to 
bring the world's attention to the impoverishment of Tibetans in their 
own land.
  We must provide support for the refugees who have made the difficult 
decision to embark upon their journey to leave Tibet and seek refuge 
from persecution in foreign lands. As Ranking Member of the Immigration 
and Claims Subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee, I have compassion 
and empathy for their struggle for recognition of basic human rights as 
well as the adjustment it takes to resettle in a foreign land.
  I am proud to join my colleagues today and advocate peaceful 
solutions to political problems. I believe we should encourage all 
parties to engage in positive dialogue to effectively reach a 
conclusion without violence. The Dalai Lama has been a role model and 
hero to his community, and his noble life should be an example to us 
all.
  Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach) that the House suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution, H. Res. 359.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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