[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 114 (Thursday, September 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1734]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           FOURTEENTH DALAI LAMA CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 13, 2006

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I fully support this legislation to bestow 
the Congressional Gold Medal upon Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama. 
His Holiness is a spiritual beacon for thousands, and he has traveled 
the world to develop common ground among different faiths. He stands 
for and embodies peace and harmony.
  I also honor the Dalai Lama for his continuing work to expand 
freedoms for the Tibetan people. Under Chinese rule, the human rights 
situation in Tibet is reprehensible--religious and political freedoms 
are severely curtailed and thousands of Tibetans have died. Practicing 
compassion and non-violence, the Dalai Lama has met with world leaders 
and has attempted to engage the Chinese government to reach a solution 
that will give freedom to his people. Regrettably, the Chinese 
government has been stubborn in its resistence, but I hope they will 
soon have a change of mind and heart about the situation in Tibet.
  As a spiritual force and as a head of state, the Dalai Lama shows us 
all the meaning of peace and compassion. He deserves this honor, and I 
thank the leadership for bringing the bill before us.

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