[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 91 (Thursday, June 9, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E874]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    SUPPORT FOR THE REGION OF TIBET

                                 ______
                                 

                    HON. F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER, JR.

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 9, 2016

  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity 
to offer a statement of my support for the region of Tibet. I have, 
during my tenure in the House of Representatives, been a strong 
supporter of the region of Tibet. There should be no divisiveness 
between political parties on the issue of Tibet and protecting their 
citizens from the repressions that they face around the world. Tibet is 
a unique region, and I hope that future actions in the House of 
Representatives will continue to support the Tibetan community in 
finding sustainable peaceful solutions.
  The repression of Tibetans around the world has prompted the United 
States to take action to protect Tibetan citizens in their constant 
struggle for religious and cultural freedom. That is why in June of 
last year, Representative Lofgren and I introduced the Tibetan Refugee 
Assistance Act, which would provide visas to Tibetan refugees.
  Our bill would address the plight of Tibetan citizens who have been 
displaced from their homes for a multitude of reasons, and would be an 
incredibly useful step in the right direction for future relations 
between Tibet and the United States. The bill would provide 3,000 
immigrant visas over a three-year period to Tibetan citizens who have 
been displaced.
  I first traveled to India and met His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 
2008, and it is an experience that I surely will never forget. The 
unique privilege of meeting with the head of state and spiritual leader 
of Tibet was one that led me to an even greater appreciation of Tibet, 
and brought me to first introduce legislation in 2008 supporting 
Tibetan refugees.
  Eight years later we look at the same issue. This is not a new 
problem, as the epidemic has been occurring for years. We hope to make 
significant progress to aid many of these displaced Tibetans who have 
yet to free themselves from the rule of the Chinese government.
  On behalf of the 5th District of Wisconsin, I welcome His Holiness 
the Dalai Lama to the United States and ask for continued perseverance 
from my colleagues on this issue. I hope to find a peaceful and 
manageable solution for the region of Tibet.

                          ____________________