Protect Tibetan Culture Which the World Cannot Afford to Lose

CONGRESS SHOULD ACT NOW TO PROTECT TIBETAN HUMAN RIGHTS As your constituent, I urge you to take practical steps to support the Tibetan people before China’s “Ethnic Unity and Progress Law” takes effect on July 1, 2026. This law, passed on March 12, 2026, threatens to intensify forced assimilation by suppressing Tibetan language, religion, culture, and identity. THIS LAW PUTS AN ANCIENT AND IRREPLACEABLE CULTURE AT RISK Tibetan culture is an ancient living tradition, rooted in spiritual practice, philosophy, compassion, and nonviolence. Its teachings, carried globally in part through the work of the Dalai Lama, have influenced millions and offer insights that resonate far beyond Tibet. Human rights organizations and press reports warn that this law could accelerate the erosion of Tibetan identity. By prioritizing Mandarin, restricting religion, and pressuring communities into state-imposed assimilation, it increases the risk that younger generations will lose their language, cultural heritage, and freedom to practice their faith. Over time, these pressures can erode traditions, weaken cohesion, and silence dissent. They also increase the risk of arbitrary enforcement, where individuals may face penalties simply for speaking Tibetan, teaching their history, or expressing their beliefs. That is not genuine unity. It is forced assimilation with long-term consequences. EVERY MEMBER OF CONGRESS CAN HELP Congress has already acted with strong bipartisan support. The Resolve Tibet Act was signed into law in July 2024 to strengthen United States policy on Tibet and press China to resume meaningful dialogue with Tibetan leaders. Whether or not you serve on a relevant committee, you can help by speaking publicly, joining bipartisan letters, pressing the administration for answers, supporting funding oversight, and backing further legislative action. SPECIFIC ACTIONS ARE NEEDED BEFORE JULY 1 I urge you to take the following steps: (1) Issue or join a public statement before July 1, 2026 opposing China’s “Ethnic Unity and Progress Law” and making clear that forced assimilation of Tibetans is unacceptable. (2) Join or lead a bipartisan Congressional letter asking the State Department to report on implementation of the Resolve Tibet Act. (3) Ask the State Department to confirm whether Tibet-related assistance, including restored aid for Tibetans in South Asia, has been fully obligated and delivered so Congress can determine whether these funds are reaching their intended purposes. (4) Support greater official engagement with the Central Tibetan Administration as the democratic voice of the Tibetan people. (5) Press the administration to raise Tibetan language rights, religious freedom, and Dalai Lama succession concerns in direct contacts with China. (6) If you serve on a relevant committee, support hearings or briefings on China’s repression in Tibet. Congress should act before July 1 to show that the United States will not normalize China’s repression of Tibet. Thank you.