WASHINGTON, September 13 – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi spoke on the House floor tonight in support of legislation to award His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, the Congressional Gold Medal. Below are her remarks as prepared:
“I rise in strong support of the legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama. I would like to thank the Members of Congress who helped bring this bill to the House floor including Tom Lantos, Frank Wolf, Ileana-Ros Lehtinen and Senator Dianne Feinstein.
“The Congressional Gold Medal is the most distinguished award bestowed by the United States Congress. It is reserved for the most heroic, courageous, and outstanding individuals who have made lasting contributions to society – individuals such as Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa, Elie Wiesel and Nelson Mandela.
“Today we honor our nation and the American people by awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of this legislation.
“His Holiness often describes himself as a ‘simple monk, no more, no less.’ But he represents much more to many people around the world. Tibetan Buddhists believe the Dalai Lama is the earthly manifestation of the living Buddha. On the world stage, he is seen as the head of state and spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. For thousands, he is a source of spiritual refuge and a connection to inner peace and harmony. He has traveled the world, building bridges between and among the different faiths. He has used his position to promote wisdom, compassion, and non-violence as a solution – not only in Tibet – but to other world conflicts.
“The Dalai Lama has made the human rights situation in Tibet an issue of international concern. Indeed, the situation in Tibet is a challenge to the conscience of the world. Under Chinese occupation, hundreds of thousands of Tibetans have died. Freedom to practice their religion and political expression are severely curtailed. Despite the harsh repression, Tibetans are as devoted to their beliefs as ever and the bond between the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people is unbreakable.
“As a new Member of Congress in 1987, I was in attendance when the Dalai Lama proposed the historic Five-Point Peace Plan toward resolving the future status of Tibet. The Dalai Lama proposed a ‘Middle Way Approach’ that seeks genuine autonomy for Tibetans within the framework of the People’s Republic of China.
“In recent years, Tibetan envoys have traveled to China for five rounds of discussions on the status of Tibet. While open dialogue is a first step, it is clear that the Chinese government is stalling. They are missing an historic opportunity to negotiate with a partner who has the authority and the legitimacy to implement a comprehensive agreement. A negotiated settlement would ensure internal stability in Tibet and bolster China’s reputation in the world.
“The Dalai Lama has asked for international support for his non-violent efforts to engage the Chinese government. I am proud to say the U.S. Congress has been a bedrock of support for the Tibetan cause. Together we have taken action to improve the lives of Tibetans both inside and outside of Tibet.
“By awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the Dalai Lama, Congress is sending an important signal of support for the ongoing discussions. The United States must continue to be committed to meeting the challenge that Tibet makes to our conscience. It is my hope that our efforts can help the Dalai Lama free the Tibetan people.”
Contact: Brendan Daly or Jennifer Crider, 202-226-7616, both of the Office of Nancy Pelosi
