Nancy Pelosi: “Well, at the time I think the message that I told myself was, we can't be holier than His Holiness. If it is okay with…”

“Well, at the time I think the message that I told myself was, we can't be holier than His Holiness. If it is okay with him, it was okay with me. I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank him for all of his leadership and assistance in bringing this important legislation to the floor. And I also commend Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen for her leadership, not only on bringing the legislation, but her work on this important issue. Tom Lantos, Frank Wolf have just been relentless for His Holiness; and in the Senate, Senator Dianne Feinstein who represents California in the U.S. Senate but is a close personal friend also of His Holiness. The Congressional Gold Medal is the most distinguished award bestowed by the United States Congress. It is reserved for the most heroic, most courageous, most outstanding individuals who have made lasting contributions to society, individuals such as John Paul II, Mother Teresa, Elie Wiesel, and Nelson Mandela. Today, by honoring His Holiness the Dalai Lama, we not only honor him, but we add luster to this Congressional Gold Medal. We honor our Nation and the American people by awarding it to His Holiness. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation. His Holiness often described himself in the following way: ``I am just a simple monk, no more, no less.'' But he represents much more to people throughout the world. {time} 2030 Tibetan Buddhists believe that the Dalai Lama is the earthly manifestation of the living Buddha.…”