Political Quotes

“I rise today to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the Tibetan Policy Act, which I was pleased to introduce in the Senate in May 2001, along with 20 bipartisan cosponsors. This critical legislation solidified Congress' commitment to the Tibetan people, and it makes me so proud to know that it continues to shape U.S. policy toward Tibet today. From its enactment, this law set the foundation for U.S. policy toward Tibet, with the primary goal of preserving the Tibetan way of life. The Tibetan Policy Act makes it official U.S. policy to preserve the Tibetan language, religious freedom, and cultural expression and to press for improved respect for human rights. The act also addresses the importance of economic development, education, and healthcare for the preservation and prosperity of the Tibetan people. This includes addressing the humanitarian needs of Tibetan refugees and diaspora communities and promoting activities to protect the environment and sustainably manage the water and other natural resources of the Tibetan plateau, which has become even more important now as we deal with extreme heat, flooding, and drought as a result of climate change. To achieve these objectives, we established in statute the position of Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues at the State Department, whose primary role is to coordinate U.S. Government policies, programs, and projects concerning Tibet. These include U.S.…”