March 11, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3307 important to me and I thank my colleague The question was taken; and (two- their identity in the face of the Congresswoman JAN SCHAKOWSKY for intro- thirds being in the affirmative) the assimilationist policies of the People’s Re- ducing this resolution. rules were suspended and the resolu- public of China; H. Res. 194 recognizes and honors the tion, as amended, was agreed to. Whereas over the years the United States women who have fought and continue to Congress has sent strong and clear messages A motion to reconsider was laid on condemning the Chinese Government’s re- struggle for equality. There are over the table. pression of the human rights of Tibetans, in- 3,000,000,000 women in the world, rep- f cluding restrictions on the free practice of resenting 51 percent of the world’s population religion, detention of political prisoners, and and yet, women remain vastly underrep- RECOGNIZING PLIGHT OF TIBETAN the disappearance of Gedhun Choekyi resented in national and local assemblies, PEOPLE ON 50TH ANNIVERSARY Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama; face political and economic obstacles, struggle OF THE DALAI LAMA’S EXILE Whereas in October 2007, Tenzin Gyatso, for basic rights, face the threat of discrimina- Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move the 14th Dalai Lama received the Congres- tion, and are targets of violence all over the to suspend the rules and agree to the sional Gold Medal in recognition of his life- time efforts to promote peace worldwide and world. resolution (H. Res. 226) recognizing the a non-violent resolution to the Tibet issue; Despite tremendous gains over the past 20 plight of the Tibetan people on the 50th Whereas it is the objective of the United years women still have great strides to make. anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai States Government, consistent across ad- How is it that women work 2⁄3 of the world’s Lama being forced into exile and call- ministrations of different political parties, working hours, produce half of the world’s ing for a sustained multilateral effort to promote a substantive dialogue between food, yet earn only 1 percent of the world’s in- to bring about a durable and peaceful the Government of the People’s Republic of come and own less than 1 percent of the solution to the Tibet issue. China and the Dalai Lama or his representa- world’s property? Today, although women The Clerk read the title of the resolu- tives in order to secure genuine autonomy have reached great heights, women are still tion. for the Tibetan people; earning less than their male counterparts in Whereas eight rounds of dialogue between The text of the resolution is as fol- the envoys of the Dalai Lama and represent- the workforce. Two-thirds of illiterate individ- lows: atives of the Government of the People’s Re- uals worldwide are women which is quite dis- H. RES. 226 public of China have failed to achieve any tressing. Whereas for more than 2,000 years the peo- concrete and substantive results; Throughout the world, women are victims of ple of Tibet have maintained a distinct cul- Whereas the 2008 United States Depart- violence and disease. Women have become tural identity, language, and religion; ment of State’s Country Report on Human victims of illegal human trafficking for the pur- Whereas in 1949, the armed forces of the Rights states that ‘‘The [Chinese] govern- pose of forced labor, domestic servitude, and/ People’s Republic of China took over the ment’s human rights record in Tibetan areas or sexual exploitation. We must pledge to stop eastern areas of the traditional Tibetan of China deteriorated severely during the this violence against women. homeland, and by March 1951 occupied the year. Authorities continued to commit seri- Domestic violence causes more deaths and Tibetan capital of Lhasa and laid siege to Ti- ous human rights abuses, including torture, disability among women between the ages of betan government buildings; arbitrary arrest, extrajudicial detention, and Whereas in April 1951, under duress of mili- house arrest. Official repression of freedoms 15 and 44 than cancer, malaria, traffic acci- of speech, religion, association, and move- dents, and war. Worldwide, at least 1 out of tary occupation, Tibetan government offi- cials signed the Seventeen Point agreement ment increased significantly following the every 3 women and girls have been beaten in which provided for the preservation of the outbreak of protests across the Tibetan pla- her lifetime and at least 1 out of every 6 institution of the Dalai Lama, local self gov- teau in the spring. The preservation and de- women and girls in the United States has ernment and continuation of the Tibetan po- velopment of Tibet’s unique religious, cul- been sexually abused in her lifetime. Further- litical system, and the autonomy for Tibet- tural, and linguistic heritage continued to be more, 70 percent of the people living in pov- ans within the People’s Republic of China; of concern.’’; and erty around the world are women and children. Whereas on March 10, 1959, the Tibetan Whereas the envoys of the Dalai Lama pre- sented in November 2008, at the request of In addition, women account for half of all people rose up in Lhasa against Chinese rule in response to Chinese actions to undermine Chinese officials, a Memorandum on Genuine cases of HIV/AIDS worldwide. These statistics Autonomy for the Tibetan People outlining a are staggering and show why this resolution self-government and to rumors that Chinese authorities planned to detain Tenzin Gyatso, plan for autonomy intended to be consistent must be passed. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the spir- with the constitution of the People’s Repub- The United States House of Representa- itual and temporal leader of the Tibetan peo- lic of China: Now, therefore, be it tives must show a commitment to ending dis- ple; Resolved, That the House of Representa- crimination and violence against women and Whereas on March 17, 1959, with the Peo- tives— girls, to ensure their safety and welfare, and to ple’s Liberation Army commencing an as- (1) recognizes the Tibetan people for their pursue policies that guarantee their basic sault on his residence, the Dalai Lama, in perseverance in face of hardship and adver- rights. fear of his safety and his ability to lead the sity in Tibet and for creating a vibrant and Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to sup- Tibetan people, fled Lhasa; democratic community in exile that sustains port this extremely important resolution, H. Whereas upon his arrival in India, the the Tibetan identity; Dalai Lama declared that he could do more (2) recognizes the Government and people Res. 194, ‘‘Supporting the goals of Inter- in exile to champion the rights and self-de- of India for their generosity toward the Ti- national Women’s Day’’. Women’s rights affect termination of Tibetans than he could inside betan refugee population for the last 50 everyone, as we all have a mother. territory controlled by the armed forces of years; Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. the People’s Republic of China; (3) calls upon the Government of the Peo- Speaker, I yield back the balance of Whereas the Dalai Lama was welcomed by ple’s Republic of China to respond to the my time. the Government and people of India, a testa- Dalai Lama’s initiatives to find a lasting so- Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, we have ment to the close cultural and religious lution to the Tibetan issue, cease its repres- no more speakers. links between India and Tibet and a mutual sion of the Tibetan people, and to lift imme- I might point out the irony that, in a admiration for the philosophies of non-vio- diately the harsh policies imposed on Tibet- resolution that is commemorating lence espoused by Mahatma Gandhi and the ans, including patriotic education cam- International Women’s Day, the spon- 14th Dalai Lama; paigns, detention and abuses of those freely Whereas under the leadership of the Dalai expressing political views or relaying news sor of that resolution is not available Lama, Tibetans overcame adversity and about local conditions, and limitations on to speak on the floor because she is at hardship to establish vibrant exile commu- travel and communications; and the White House commemorating nities in India, the United States, Europe, (4) calls upon the Administration to recom- International Women’s Day. But Ms. and elsewhere in order to preserve Tibetan mit to a sustained effort consistent with the SCHAKOWSKY’s comments can be added cultural identity, language, and religion; Tibetan Policy Act of 2002, that employs dip- into the RECORD. Whereas the Dalai Lama set out to instill lomatic, programmatic, and multilateral re- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance democracy in the exile community, which sources to press the People’s Republic of of my time. has led to the Central Tibetan Administra- China to respect the Tibetans’ identity and The SPEAKER pro tempore. The tion with its democratically elected Execu- the human rights of the Tibetan people. question is on the motion offered by tive and Legislative Branches, as well as a The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Judicial Branch; the gentleman from California (Mr. Whereas on March 10 every year Tibetans ant to the rule, the gentleman from BERMAN) that the House suspend the commemorate the circumstances that led to California (Mr. BERMAN) and the gen- rules and agree to the resolution, H. the separation of the Dalai Lama from Tibet tlewoman from Florida (Ms. ROS- Res. 194, as amended. and the struggle of Tibetans to preserve LEHTINEN) each will control 20 minutes.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:25 Mar 12, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00161 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A11MR7.074 H11MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with HOUSE H3308 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 11, 2009 The Chair recognizes the gentleman I know that many of our friends in cial visit, the very week that we com- from California. China are distressed by the continued memorate the uprising in Tibet. Just GENERAL LEAVE congressional focus on Tibet. To them prior to his departure from Beijing to Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask I say this resolution is not anti-Chi- Washington, the Chinese Foreign Min- unanimous consent that all Members nese. We have deep respect for both ister stated, ‘‘The Dalai side still in- may have 5 legislative days to revise peoples. But after eight rounds of fruit- sists on establishing a so-called greater and extend their remarks and include less meetings between the Chinese Gov- Tibet on a quarter of China’s territory; extraneous material on the resolution ernment and representatives of the you call this person a religious figure?’’ under consideration. Dalai Lama, it appears to many of us Mr. Speaker, this resolution can The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there that China is not serious about achiev- serve as a response to the foreign min- objection to the request of the gen- ing resolution of this difficult issue. ister. The U.S. Congress has a message tleman from California? It’s time for China to negotiate in for the Foreign Minister of China’s There was no objection. good faith. I urge the Chinese Govern- Communist regime, and that is that Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in ment to re-examine their policies in the Dalai Lama is not only a religious strong support of this resolution and Tibet and to provide the Tibetan people figure, but a person of such renown yield myself as much time as I may genuine autonomy in their traditional that he was granted the Congressional consume. homeland. Gold Medal. I was honored to serve as This resolution recognizes the plight Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of one of the sponsors for this legislation of the Tibetan people on the 50th anni- my time. awarding the Dalai Lama the Congres- versary of His Holiness the Dalai Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I sional Gold Medal during the last Con- Lama’s exile and calls for a sustained yield myself such time as I may con- gress. multilateral effort toward a peaceful sume. Our message to the Chinese regime is resolution to the Tibet issue. I thank our esteemed chairman of contained in the forceful language of The resolution is introduced by my the committee, Mr. BERMAN from Cali- this resolution calling for the preserva- good friends, the gentleman from New fornia. tion of the religious and human rights Jersey (Mr. HOLT) and our ranking Mr. Speaker, I rise in enthusiastic of the people of Tibet. The U.S. Gov- member, ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN of Flor- support of this House resolution be- ernment must keep faith with the peo- ida. I thank them for their leadership cause it conveys a continued deep con- ple of Tibet. We must press the Chinese in ensuring that the House commemo- cern of both the Congress and the regime on issues of human rights and rates this important date. American people for the plight of the religious freedom in Tibet. The U.S. In 1949, the People’s Liberation Army people of Tibet, a concern first dem- Congress will not fail in our commit- of China entered the eastern areas of onstrated by our late committee chair- ment to Tibet and to its people. the traditional Tibetan territory. In man, Tom Lantos. Our chairman, Mr. Now is the time for all of us to re- 1951, they occupied the Tibetan capital BERMAN, continues this human rights flect on the enormous resilience of a of Lhasa. Fifty years ago this month, legacy. I’m honored to join with my captive Tibet and its suffering people the Tibetan people rose up in Lhasa colleague, Congressman HOLT, in co- over the past five decades. Now is the against Chinese rule. time to call on the Communist leaders On March 17, 1959, His Holiness the sponsoring this important resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary in Beijing—sitting behind the walls of Dalai Lama fled Tibet after the Peo- their enclosed compound—to hear the ple’s Liberation Army commenced an of the uprising in Tibet against Chinese Communist rule. cries from the international commu- assault on his residence. He was fol- nity for justice in Tibet. Now is the lowed into exile by some 80,000 Tibet- The history of the people of Tibet for the past half century has been one of time for our colleagues to reconfirm ans. Tens of thousands of Tibetans who their support for the Dalai Lama and remained were killed or imprisoned. grace under fire and of courage in the face of extreme adversity. Beijing’s for his oppressed people. Under the leadership of the Dalai Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Communist overseers displayed once Lama, Tibetans have sought to over- my time. come adversity and hardship. Exiled again their calloused hostility to the communities have been established in cultural, religious and linguistic rights b 1415 India, the United States, Europe, and of the Tibetan people by their harsh Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, at this elsewhere, to preserve Tibetan cultural and bloody crackdown in Tibet exactly point I yield 5 minutes to the gen- identity, language and religion. They 1 year ago. The iron grip of Beijing, tleman from New Jersey (Mr. HOLT), have succeeded abroad, but at home, however, cannot silence, cannot re- the sponsor of the resolution. the uniqueness of the Tibetan people press, cannot extinguish the resilient Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the remains threatened by Chinese poli- Buddhist spirit of the people who oc- distinguished chairman for yielding. cies. cupy the land known as the ‘‘Rooftop Yesterday marked the passage of 50 Over the years, the Congress has re- of the World.’’ years since the Tibetan people in Lhasa peatedly championed the rights of Ti- The forced exile of His Holiness the first rose in protest against the harsh betans, applauded efforts by the Dalai Dalai Lama and his flight into India 50 actions of the People’s Republic of Lama to seek a peaceful resolution to years ago is a continuing source of pro- China to undermine the Tibetan self- the dispute between China and Tibet, found sorrow for the people of Tibet. government. I am honored to introduce and funded programs to assist Tibetan This resolution, therefore, Mr. Speak- this resolution recognizing the long refugees. er, also takes note of the warmth and hardship borne by the Tibetan people, a In 2002, Congress passed the Tibetan the support with which the government great people, who continue to labor Policy Act, the cornerstone of U.S. pol- and the people of India have greeted peacefully for freedom in Tibet and icy toward Tibet. This legislation codi- the Dalai Lama and other exiles from maintain a Tibetan cultural identity fied the position of Special Coordinator Tibet. and democratic community, even in for Tibetan Issues and emphasized that Tibet’s tragic loss of its spiritual exile. Importantly, this resolution also it should be U.S. policy to promote a leader, however, has proven to be the recognizes the government and the peo- dialogue between the Chinese Govern- world’s gain. No steadier voice on the ple of India, who generously have ment and representatives of the Dalai issues of religious freedom and human hosted the exiled government and peo- Lama in order to achieve a settlement rights has been heard in the corridors ple of Tibet in the city of Dharamsala based on meaningful and genuine au- of power than that of the quiet, but de- since 1960. The perseverance and char- tonomy for the Tibetan people. termined, voice of the Dalai Lama. He ity exhibited by these peoples should In 2007, Congress awarded the Con- has risen from being a humble refugee be a model for all. gressional Gold Medal to His Holiness to becoming both a Nobel Peace Prize For 50 years the situation in Tibet the Dalai Lama in recognition of his recipient and the conscience of the civ- has deteriorated with too little atten- life-long dedication to the causes of ilized world. tion from the outside world. Tibetan peace and non-violent resolution to the The Chinese Foreign Minister is in culture has been eradicated systemati- Tibet issue. Washington this very week for an offi- cally and relentlessly. Basic freedoms,

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:25 Mar 12, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00162 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11MR7.068 H11MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with HOUSE March 11, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3309 like freedoms of speech and religion Last year this body agreed to a reso- robbed from them. And, yes, we would and association and movement, have lution introduced by Speaker PELOSI tell the Foreign Minister of that dicta- been repressed. Human rights abuses that addressed the rights of the Ti- torship in Beijing, yes, one-fourth of have been all too common and continue betan people. Today we reiterate that the territory now claimed by that dic- to occur. At this time last year, the message and recommit ourselves to a tatorship is actually the ancestral Chinese Government was engaged in a sustained effort. Today is a day when home of the Tibetan people. And we fierce crackdown on nonviolent Ti- this body once again brings a national know that over these five decades of betan protesters that resulted in seri- spotlight to the plight of the Tibetan suppression that the regime in Beijing ous injuries to civilians and an unde- people, honors those who struggle non- has tried their best to send other peo- termined but significant number of violently against brutal suppression, ple into Tibet to steal their country. deaths. Even today reports indicate and reaffirms our commitment to free- Not only to steal their artifacts and that the Chinese Government has im- dom around the world. It is a day when close their monasteries, but to actually posed a virtual state of martial law in we recognize, in the words of the Dalai rob from them their very country. And, the Tibetan plateau. Lama, ‘‘the importance of universal re- yes, we, as honest people, should recog- Over the same 50 years and in the sponsibility, nonviolence, and inter- nize this is Tibet when we talk about face of such adversity, the Dalai Lama religious understanding.’’ that area on the map. The Tibetan peo- has sought to bring wisdom to human I would like to thank Chairman BER- ple, as the other people in China, have affairs and has used his position and MAN and the House Foreign Affairs suffered because the United States and leadership to promote compassion and Committee for their leadership and ac- other free countries have treated Bei- nonviolence in the search for a lasting tion on this issue. I appreciate the sup- jing as if it is a moral equivalent to the solution to this issue. port of Ranking Member ROS-LEHTINEN other countries that we deal with in Last year I had the opportunity to and the hard work of Mr. Halpin of the the world. We must differentiate be- travel to India with a congressional minority staff as well as Mr. Hans tween the vicious dictators who oblit- delegation led by Speaker PELOSI. We Hogrefe of the Tom Lantos Human erate their opposition and repress their witnessed firsthand the dedicated Ti- Rights Commission. The immense con- own people. We must differentiate be- betans who crossed the rugged tributions of Todd Stein and the Inter- tween them and the democratic forces Himalayas to escape oppression, in- national Campaign for Tibet should of the world. Our job as Americans, as cluding young children. We also had also be acknowledged. And I would like set forth by George Washington, whose lengthy meetings with the Dalai Lama, to pay special tribute to Speaker picture we see now overseeing these whose commitment to peaceful, steady PELOSI, who has long been a strong proceedings, we were given the task to progress is a powerful beacon of hope champion of human rights in Tibet and ensure that the light of democracy will to all people seeking freedom and around the world, and to thank her for shine bright. It does not shine bright equality. It is long past time for this her help with this resolution. on governments that turn their back commitment to be reciprocated by the We call on the leaders of China for on the oppression that we have seen by Chinese Government. justice and freedom. Beijing, the suppression of the people The so-called ‘‘Seventeen Point Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, at of Tibet, which we recognize today in Agreement’’ that was signed by Chi- this time I would like to yield 4 min- these five decades of suppression. nese authorities in 1951 provided that utes to the gentleman from California So today let us recognize that the ‘‘the central authorities will not alter (Mr. ROHRABACHER), who is the ranking Dalai Lama has been a force for peace the existing political system in Tibet. member of the Subcommittee on Inter- and freedom and justice in this world. The central authorities also will not national Organizations, Human Rights We wish him all the best. We wish the alter the established status, functions, and Oversight. people of Tibet the best. And we are on and powers of the Dalai Lama. Officials Mr. ROHRABACHER. I thank the co- their side. This resolution says the of various ranks shall hold office as chairman of the Tibet Caucus. American people, of whatever political usual.’’ A few years later, in March of I rise in strong support of this resolu- party is not important, that we are on 1959, just days after the Dalai Lama’s tion, and I would like to thank both the side of the people of Tibet, and flight from Lhasa, the Chinese Govern- leaders of both parties here, HOWARD they should have no doubts about this ment abolished the local Tibetan gov- BERMAN and, of course, Ranking Mem- and the government in Beijing that erning structure. The agreement also ber ROS-LEHTINEN for all of the hard suppresses them should have no doubts explicitly stated that ‘‘when the people work they’ve done over the years to about that as well. raise demands for reform, they must be support the cause of the people of Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, it’s my settled through consultation with the Tibet. But also I would like to point privilege to now recognize really the leading personnel of Tibet.’’ Clearly out that NANCY PELOSi, our esteemed leader in this institution on human the terms of this agreement have not Speaker, has over her career put out rights generally and most particularly been upheld. Tibetans and the inter- enormous efforts on this issue, and it’s on the issue of what has happened to national community are asking that an issue of the heart and the soul. And the Tibetan people and to His Holiness the Chinese Government implement that’s why you see people in both par- the Dalai Lama, the Speaker of the autonomy as promised but never grant- ties who have committed themselves to House (Ms. PELOSI). ed genuinely. this noble endeavor of supporting a Ms. PELOSI. I thank the gentleman In this spirit the resolution before us people in a distant land somewhere on for yielding. I thank him and Congress- calls for an immediate cessation of the the top of the world on the other side woman ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN for bring- repression and abuses being imposed of the Earth, supporting them in their ing this important legislation to the upon the people of Tibet. We urge the call for recognition of their human floor, not only in Congresswoman ROS- Chinese Government to engage in a rights and for us to recognize that, in- LEHTINEN’s situation as the ranking constructive dialogue with the Dalai stead of dealing with tyrants and bul- member but as a cosponsor of the legis- Lama in a sustained effort to craft a lies and gangsters in Beijing, a regime lation. permanent and just solution that pro- in Beijing that oppresses their own Thank you, Mr. BERMAN, for carrying tects the rights and dignity of all Ti- people. They are also the world’s worst on a proud tradition of Mr. Lantos as betans. The distinctive culture of Tibet human rights abuser, and the regime in ranking member on Foreign Affairs must be preserved, and we throughout Beijing is the oppressor of this actually and then as chairman. He also served, the world should want it preserved, and peace-loving people on the other side of as you know, as Chair of the Human a vibrant future must be guaranteed. the world, the Tibetan people. Rights Task Caucus in the Congress of I’m hopeful that the new administra- One-sixth of the population of Tibet the United States. tion will answer the call of this resolu- have lost their lives in this five dec- It is with great sadness, Mr. Speaker, tion to use all of the diplomatic, pro- ades of suppression. Thousands of their that I rise in support of this resolution. grammatic, and multilateral tools at monasteries have been looted and de- I so had wished decades ago that we its disposal to encourage China to stroyed. Their national treasure, the wouldn’t be standing here now still adopt such a course. gold from their religious artifacts, pleading the case for the people of

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:25 Mar 12, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00163 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11MR7.070 H11MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with HOUSE H3310 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 11, 2009 Tibet. I thank RUSH HOLT for giving us It was there that he outlined his ‘‘Mid- out, and he called the situation there, this opportunity again, with Congress- dle Way Approach’’ that calls for au- the Tibetans who are in the depths of woman ROS-LEHTINEN, sponsoring this tonomy for Tibet. suffering and hardship, that they are legislation; HOWARD BERMAN, as I men- On Capitol Hill, over 20 years ago, literally experiencing hell on Earth. tioned, the chairman; FRANK WOLF, and His Holiness declared a statement of Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit Mr. MCGOVERN, the co-Chairs of the autonomy for Tibet. Twenty years His Holiness’ statement for the later, we were all proud to stand with Human Rights Caucus in the Congress RECORD. carrying on a strong tradition, JIM President Bush as he presented the MCGOVERN’s carrying on that tradi- Congressional Gold Medal to His Holi- THE STATEMENT OF HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI tion. ness the Dalai Lama, in the words of LAMA ON THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TIBETAN NATIONAL UPRISING DAY But as Mr. ROHRABACHER mentioned, the President, for his ‘‘many enduring and I see Mr. SMITH there, we have and outstanding contributions to (Embargoed until 10th March, 9 a.m.) been fighting this fight for a very long peace, nonviolence, human rights and Today is the fiftieth anniversary of the Ti- time. religious understanding.’’ betan people’s peaceful uprising against My colleagues, going back a genera- Last year, as Mr. HOLT mentioned, Communist China’s repression in Tibet. tion when the Dalai Lama first came to we had a congressional delegation that Since last March, widespread peaceful pro- the Congress with his proposal for au- visited India, where we were able to tests have erupted across the whole of Tibet. tonomy, back in 1987, would we have meet with His Holiness. This visit, ei- Most of the participants were youths born ever thought then that over 20 years ther by coincidence or karma, took and brought up after 1959, who have not seen later we would still be making this place only a matter of weeks after a or experienced a free Tibet. However, the case? Remember after Tiananmen protest that swept across the Tibetan fact that they were driven by a firm convic- Square, which will be 20 years in June, plateau and the crackdown by the Chi- tion to serve the cause of Tibet that has con- tinued from generation to generation is in- and we’ve talked about human rights nese authorities. deed a matter of pride. It will serve as a in China and Tibet. They said peaceful So when we were in India, and seeing source of inspiration for those in the inter- coexistence, peaceful engagement, this all of these people who were escaping national community who take keen interest is going to lead to the improvement of from Tibet and prisoners who had been in the issue of Tibet. We pay tribute and human rights in China and Tibet. A tortured in prisons in Tibet telling us offer our prayers for all those who died, were generation has gone by, 20 years later, their stories, they were stories that tortured and suffered tremendous hardships and what do we have? A more repres- were fresh and current and tragic, and during the crisis last year, as well as those sive situation in Tibet. A situation so we were hopeless and helpless in how who have suffered and died for the cause of bad it moved His Holiness in the state- we could help them in a very real way. Tibet since our struggle began. ment he released on the occasion of the What we can do is put the moral au- Around 1949, Communist forces began to 50th anniversary to say that life for the thority of the Congress of the United enter north-eastern and eastern Tibet (Kham Tibetans under the repression of the States in the form of this resolution, and Amdo) and by 1950, more than 5000 Ti- betan soldiers had been killed. Taking the Chinese regime is ‘‘hell on Earth.’’ His with a broad bipartisan vote, down as a marker to say that we understand the prevailing situation into account, the Chi- Holiness used those terms. A man of nese government chose a policy of peaceful nonviolence and gentle nature would be situation there, that we encourage it liberation, which in 1951, led to the signing moved to use those words. to be different and, as Mr. ROHR- of the 17-Point Agreement and its annexure. So I thank all who are responsible for ABACHER said, that we are on the side Since then, Tibet has come under the control bringing this resolution to the floor be- of the Tibetan people. But it shouldn’t of the People’s Republic of China. However, cause, as we know, this week marks be a question of taking sides, it should the Agreement clearly mentions that Tibet’s the 50th, five decades, of waiting for be a question of resolution, resolving a distinct religion, culture and traditional val- this peaceful evolution to take place, difference, and that’s what we hope the ues would be protected. this peaceful evolution that was going Chinese government will do. Between 1954 and 1955, I met with most of to lead to more democratic freedoms. Just on a lighter note, when we were the senior Chinese leaders in the Communist This was against a peaceful uprising there, in addition to visiting the pris- Party, government and military, led by Chairman Mao Zedong, in Beijing. When we against the Chinese Government and oners, and those who had escaped over the mountains only a matter of days discussed ways of achieving the social and then led to the exiling of His Holiness economic development of Tibet, as well as out of Tibet. before, we visited the children in their maintaining Tibet’s religious and cultural With this resolution we remember schools. They were adorable. They had heritage, Mao Zedong and all the other lead- that day and honor the many brave Ti- made flags that were Tibetan flags on ers agreed to establish a preparatory com- betans who sacrificed their lives for one side and American flags on the mittee to pave the way for the implementa- freedom. Thousands of them did. With other. They had flags of the country of tion of the autonomous region, as stipulated this resolution we recognize the hospi- India. in the Agreement, rather than establishing a tality of India for receiving the Tibet- The children were so appreciative of military administrative commission. From ans into that great nation. His Holiness the hospitality of India, so grateful to about 1956 onwards, however, the situation the American people for speaking out took a turn for the worse with the imposi- and the nation of India share a tradi- tion of ultra-leftist policies in Tibet. Con- tion of nonviolence and compassion, on behalf of them, and so proud of their sequently, the assurances given by higher and we salute India for extending that Tibetan heritage. They are beautiful. authorities were not implemented on the to the people of Tibet as they escaped. The preservation of the culture of ground. The forceful implementation of the Tibet is, of course, a very important 1430 so-called ‘‘democratic reforms’’ in the Kham b part of our enthusiasm for change. But, and Amdo regions of Tibet, which did not ac- For the last year, Tibet has been as I say, on the lighter side, as we were cord with prevailing conditions, resulted in under martial law, and the human traveling through the streets, our dele- immense chaos and destruction. In Central rights situation has severely worsened, gation, our bipartisan delegation with Tibet, Chinese officials forcibly and delib- according to the State Department re- Mr. SENSENBRENNER, who is the most erately violated the terms of the 17-Point port. There has been no progress in the senior Republican who came on the Agreement, and their heavy-handed tactics increased day by day. These desperate devel- discussions with the Chinese govern- trip and was very powerful in his state- opments left the Tibetan people no alter- ment. It is long past time, 50 years, for ments there, but as we were traveling native but to launch a peaceful uprising on Beijing to respect the human rights of through the roads, the roads were lined 10 March 1959. The Chinese authorities re- every Tibetan, indeed, of every Chi- with people and they were waving sponded with unprecedented force that led to nese. The United States Congress con- flags, American, as I said, American, the killing of tens of thousands of Tibetans tinues to be a bedrock of support for Tibetan, Indian flags along the way. in the following months. Thousands were ar- the Tibetan people, and we do so in a One sign caught my eye. It said rested and imprisoned. Consequently, nearly strong, bipartisan way. ‘‘Thank you for everything that you a hundred thousand Tibetans fled into exile As I mentioned, in 1987, His Holiness in India, Nepal and Bhutan. During the es- have done for us—so far.’’ So far. So, in cape and the months that followed they the Dalai Lama, spoke in the Capitol any event, more is expected. More will faced unimaginable hardship, which is still at the Congressional Human Rights come. fresh in Tibetan memory. At that time, I Caucus. I was a brand-new Member and I told you about His Holiness’ speech too, accompanied by a small party of Ti- invited there by Congressman Lantos. and about his statement that he put betan government officials including some

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:39 Mar 12, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00164 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11MR7.072 H11MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with HOUSE March 11, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3311 Kalons (Cabinet Ministers), escaped into similar to those in other democratic sys- Agreement, Premier Zhou Enlai acknowl- exile in India. tems. Currently, the directly-elected Kalon edged that this was a reasonable demand, Having occupied Tibet, the Chinese Com- Tripa’s (Cabinet Chairperson) second term is but not the right time to implement it. In munist government carried out a series of re- underway. Consequently, my daily adminis- 1956, when establishing the Preparatory pressive and violent campaigns that have in- trative responsibilities have reduced and Committee for the ‘‘Tibet Autonomous Re- cluded ‘‘democratic reforms’’, class struggle, today I am in a state of semi-retirement. gion’’, Vice-Premier Chen Yi pointing at a collectivisation, the Cultural Revolution, However, to work for the just cause of Tibet map said, if Lhasa could be made the capital the imposition of martial law, and more re- is the responsibility of every Tibetan, and as of the Tibet Autonomous Region, which in- cently the patriotic re-education and the long as I live I will uphold this responsi- cluded the Tibetan areas within the other strike hard campaigns. These thrust Tibet- bility. provinces, it would contribute to the devel- ans into such depths of suffering and hard- As a human being, my main commitment opment of Tibet and friendship between the ship that they literally experienced hell on is in the promotion of human values; this is Tibetan and Chinese nationalities, a view earth. The immediate result of these cam- what I consider the key factor for a happy shared by the Panchen Rinpoche and many paigns was the deaths of hundreds and thou- life at the individual, family and community Tibetan cadres and scholars. If Chinese lead- sands of Tibetans. The lineage of the Buddha level. As a religious practitioner, my second ers had any objections to our proposals, they Dharma was severed. Thousands of religious commitment is the promotion of inter-reli- could have provided reasons for them and and cultural centres such as monasteries, gious harmony. My third commitment is of suggested alternatives for our consideration, nunneries and temples were razed to the course due to my being a Tibetan with the but they did not. I am disappointed that the ground. Historical buildings and monuments name of ‘‘Dalai Lama’’, but more impor- Chinese authorities have not responded ap- were demolished. Natural resources have tantly it is due to the trust that Tibetans propriately to our sincere efforts to imple- been indiscriminately exploited. Today, Ti- both inside and outside Tibet have placed in ment the principle of meaningful national bet’s fragile environment has been polluted, me. These are the three important commit- regional autonomy for all Tibetans, as set massive deforestation has been carried out ments, which I always keep in mind. forth in the constitution of the People’s Re- and wildlife, such as wild yaks and Tibetan In addition to looking after the well being public of China. antelopes, are being driven to extinction. of the exiled Tibetan community, which they Quite apart from the current process of These 50 years have brought untold suf- have done quite well, the principal task of Sino-Tibetan dialogue having achieved no fering and destruction to the land and people the Central Tibetan Administration has been concrete results, there has been a brutal of Tibet. Even today, Tibetans in Tibet live to work towards the resolution of the issue crackdown on the Tibetan protests that have in constant fear and the Chinese authorities of Tibet. Having laid out the mutually bene- shaken the whole of Tibet since March last remain constantly suspicious of them. ficial Middle-Way policy in 1974, we were year. Therefore, in order to solicit public Today, the religion, culture, language and ready to respond to Deng Xiaoping when he opinion as to what future course of action we identity, which successive generations of Ti- proposed talks in 1979. Many talks were con- should take, the Special Meeting of Tibetan betans have considered more precious than ducted and fact-finding delegations dis- exiles was convened in November 2008. Ef- their lives, are nearing extinction; in short, patched. These however, did not bear any forts were made to collect suggestions, as far the Tibetan people are regarded like crimi- concrete results and formal contacts eventu- as possible, from the Tibetans in Tibet as nals deserving to be put to death. The Ti- ally broke off in 1993. well. The outcome of this whole process was betan people’s tragedy was set out in the Subsequently, in 1996–97, we conducted an that a majority of Tibetans strongly sup- late Panchen Rinpoche’s 70,000-character pe- opinion poll of the Tibetans in exile, and col- ported the continuation of the Middle-Way tition to the Chinese government in 1962. He lected suggestions from Tibet wherever pos- policy. Therefore, we are now pursuing this raised it again in his speech in Shigatse in sible, on a proposed referendum, by which policy with greater confidence and will con- 1989 shortly before he died, when he said that the Tibetan people were to determine the fu- tinue our efforts towards achieving a mean- what we have lost under Chinese communist ture course of our freedom struggle to their ingful national regional autonomy for all Ti- rule far outweighs what we have gained. full satisfaction. Based on the outcome of betans. Many concerned and unbiased Tibetans have the poll and the suggestions from Tibet, we From time immemorial, the Tibetan and also spoken out about the hardships of the decided to continue the policy of the Middle- Chinese peoples have been neighbours. In fu- Tibetan people. Even Hu Yaobang, the Com- Way. ture too, we will have to live together. munist Party Secretary, when he arrived in Since the re-establishment of contacts in Therefore, it is most important for us to co- Lhasa in 1980, clearly acknowledged these 2002, we have followed a policy of one official exist in friendship with each other. mistakes and asked the Tibetans for their channel and one agenda and have held eight During the Kuomintang period, and par- forgiveness. Many infrastructural develop- rounds of talks with the Chinese authorities. ticularly since the occupation of Tibet, the ments such as roads, airports, railways, and As a consequence, we presented a Memo- Communist Chinese have been publishing so forth, which seem to have brought randum on Genuine Autonomy for the Ti- distorted propaganda about Tibet and its progress to Tibetan areas, were really done betan People, explaining how the conditions people. Consequently, there are, among the with the political objective of sinicising for national regional autonomy as set forth Chinese populace, very few people who have Tibet at the huge cost of devastating the Ti- in the Chinese constitution would be met by a true understanding about Tibet. It is, in betan environment and way of life. the full implementation of its laws on auton- fact, very difficult for them to find the As for the Tibetan refugees, although we omy. The Chinese insistence that we accept truth. There are also ultra-leftist Chinese initially faced many problems such as great Tibet as having been a part of China since leaders who have, since last March, been un- differences of climate and language and dif- ancient times is not only inaccurate, but dertaking a huge propaganda effort with the ficulties earning our livelihood, we have also unreasonable. We cannot change the intention of setting the Tibetan and Chinese been successful in re-establishing ourselves past no matter whether it was good or bad. peoples apart and creating animosity be- in exile. Due to the great generosity of our Distorting history for political purposes is tween them. Sadly, as a result, a negative host countries, especially India, Tibetans incorrect. impression of Tibetans has arisen in the have been able to live in freedom without We need to look to the future and work for minds of some of our Chinese brothers and fear. We have been able to earn a livelihood our mutual benefit. We Tibetans are looking sisters. Therefore, as I have repeatedly ap- and uphold our religion and culture. We have for a legitimate and meaningful autonomy, pealed before, I would like once again to urge been able to provide our children with both an arrangement that would enable Tibetans out Chinese brothers and sisters not to be traditional and modern education, as well as to live within the framework of the People’s swayed by such propaganda, but, instead, to engaging in efforts to resolve the Tibet issue. Republic of China. Fulfilling the aspirations try to discover the facts about Tibet impar- There have been other positive results too. of the Tibetan people will enable China to tially, so as to prevent divisions among us. Greater understanding of Tibetan Buddhism achieve stability and unity. From our side, Tibetans should also continue to work for with its emphasis on compassion has made a we are not making any demands based on friendship with the Chinese people. positive contribution in many parts of the history. Looking back at history, there is no Looking back on 50 years in exile, we have world. country in the world today, including China, witnessed many ups and downs. However, the Immediately after our arrival in exile I whose territorial status has remained for- fact that the Tibet issue is alive and the began to work on the promotion of democ- ever unchanged, nor can it remain un- international community is taking growing racy in the Tibetan community with the changed. interest in it is indeed an achievement. Seen election of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Our aspiration that all Tibetans be from this perspective, I have no doubt that in 1960. Since then, we have taken gradual brought under a single autonomous adminis- the justice of Tibet’s cause will prevail, if we steps on the path to democracy and today tration is in keeping with the very objective continue to tread the path of truth and non- our exile administration has evolved into a of the principle of national regional auton- violence. fully functioning democracy with a written omy. It also fulfills the fundamental require- As we commemorate 50 years in exile, it is charter of its own and a legislative body. ments of the Tibetan and Chinese peoples. most important that we express our deep This is indeed something we can all be proud The Chinese constitution and other related gratitude to the governments and peoples of of. laws and regulations do not pose any obsta- the various host countries in which we live. Since 2001, we have instituted a system by cle to this and many leaders of the Chinese Not only do we abide by the laws of these which the political leadership of Tibetan ex- Central Government have accepted this gen- host countries, but we also conduct ourselves iles is directly elected through procedures uine aspiration. When signing the 17-Point in a way that we become an asset to these

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:25 Mar 12, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00165 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A11MR7.071 H11MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with HOUSE H3312 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 11, 2009 countries. Similarly, in our efforts to realise orable former chairman of the com- He told us that many people die of the cause of Tibet and uphold its religion mittee who did pioneering work on starvation. But when he brought those and culture, we should craft our future vi- Tibet and really helped bring the Dalai instruments, he couldn’t even bring sion and strategy by learning from our past Lama here in the first place and made them past our Capitol Police, they experience. I always say that we should hope for the that very important connection many, stopped him. I had to go down to the best, and prepare for the worst. Whether we many years ago. entrance and escort him through. look at it from the global perspective or in Mr. Speaker, 50 years ago today the At the hearing, he held up those elec- the context of events in China, there are rea- Tibetan people rose up against the tyr- tric batons that are used in the mouth sons for us to hope for a quick resolution of anny that the Chinese communist and elsewhere in order to provide elec- the issue of Tibet. However, we must also party was imposing on it. The out- tric shocks. And while he was giving prepare ourselves well in case the Tibetan numbered Tibetans fought stubbornly his testimony, he broke down. struggle goes on for a long time. For this, we but did not succeed in overthrowing He held it up and said this is what must focus primarily on the education of our the tyranny. Sadly, the Chinese forces children and the nurturing of professionals went into my mouth, as a Buddhist in various fields. We should also raise aware- killed over 86,000 Tibetans, and the monk, and into the mouths of other ness about the environment and health, and Dalai Lama had to leave Tibet to lead people, to shock and to deface. He has improve understanding and practice of non- a government in exile. trouble swallowing to this day. violent methods among the general Tibetan But I think the Tibetans succeeded in He told us about self-tightening population. doing something else 50 years ago. handcuffs and held up his wrists and I would like to take this opportunity to ex- They put down a spiritual marker. showed us the scars on his body. Not press my heartfelt gratitude to the leaders They decided that, materially free or just on his wrists, but elsewhere as and people of India, as well as its Central and not, persecuted or not, the Tibetan well. He told us how the guards pierce State Governments, who despite whatever people were going to remain Tibetan problems and obstacles they face, have pro- people with bayonets, and he also told vided invaluable support and assistance over and were not going to forsake their re- us that every bit of this was routine the past 50 years to Tibetans in exile. Their ligious heritage for the mess of ideo- and almost mundane. kindness and generosity are immeasurable. I logical and atheistic nonsense the com- Yet in the face of this, he and so would also like to express my gratitude to munists offered them. many others like him persevered, and the leaders, governments and people of the They would preserve their spiritual the Tibetan people at large continue international community, as well as the var- freedom, even in the Laogai. And since on, keeping faith, including their admi- ious Tibet Support Groups, for their 1959 every generation of Tibetans have unstinting support. rable principle of nonviolence. taken up that decision and reaffirmed The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. May all sentient beings live in peace and it. We cannot speak about 1959 without ROSS). The time of the gentleman has happiness. remembering 2008, when the Chinese THE DALAI LAMA, expired. 10 March 2009. government brutally crushed Tibetans’ Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I would like to largely peaceful marking of the 1959 I would also like to quote from the yield an additional minute to the gen- uprising. tleman. statement put out by the State Depart- Last year Lodi Gyari, His Holiness’ Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. I appre- ment last night. In part it says ‘‘We Special Envoy, told me and others on ciate that. urge China to reconsider its policies in the Congressional Human Rights Cau- They are determined to endure, Mr. Tibet that have created tensions due to cus that Tibet had ‘‘become, particu- Speaker, and to overcome hate with their harmful impact on Tibetan reli- larly, in the last few weeks, in every kindness and benevolence and charity. gion, culture, and livelihoods. We be- sense an occupied nation, brutally oc- Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am lieve that substantive dialogue with cupied by Armed Forces.’’ This week, pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gen- the Dalai Lama’s representatives, con- as our distinguished Speaker of the tlelady from Illinois (Ms. sistent with the Dalai Lama’s commit- House just mentioned, the Dalai Lama SCHAKOWSKY). ment to disclaiming any intention to has described the situation in Tibet as Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. I thank you, Mr. seek sovereignty or independence for hell on Earth. Tibet, can lead to progress in bringing Shockingly and almost laughingly, Chairman, for yielding to me. about solutions and can help achieve the Chinese government shot back Mr. Speaker, as a member of the true and lasting stability in Tibet.’’ today and said Tibet is paradise on Human Rights Commission, I am proud I am very pleased with the statement Earth. Well, it was, Mr. Speaker. Now to rise today in support of this resolu- from the State Department. it’s paradise lost. tion on behalf of the people of Tibet. Mr. Speaker, the situation in Tibet Just as it did in 1959, last year the I also want to take this opportunity, challenges the conscience of the world. Chinese government ordered its sol- because I just returned from the White If freedom-loving people around the diers and police to shoot. The death House, where the President of the world do not speak out for human toll is well over 100. We don’t even have United States created a White House rights in China and Tibet, then we lose any idea how many were wounded, how Council on Women and Girls and ac- moral authority to talk about it in any many were left wounded or dying in at- knowledged the recent March 8 passage other place in the world. tics and cellars because they knew if of International Women’s Day. On the 15th anniversary of the Dalai they went to a hospital they would And while I was there, I am very Lama being forced into exile, we must simply disappear into the Chinese grateful to you, Mr. Chairman and to heed his guidance and his transcendent Laogai. the House of Representatives, for pass- message of peace, and we must never As in 1959, last year the Chinese gov- ing the resolution in support of Inter- forget the people of Tibet in their on- ernment subjected Tibetans to mass ar- national Women’s Day and would like going struggle. rests. They searched whole sections of to take this opportunity to speak to it That is why I urge my colleagues to cities house by house. Chinese officials for just a couple of minutes. support this resolution and thank my admit to over 4,000 arrests. Even today, I want to thank Representative colleagues for giving us this oppor- thousands of monks are still held under MARY FALLIN, the lead Republican co- tunity to do so today. house arrest or lockdown. sponsor and the Republican co-chair of Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. Speaker, in 1995 I chaired a con- the Women’s Caucus, for her tireless am proud to yield 4 minutes to my gressional hearing in which we heard support and work to bring this resolu- good friend from New Jersey (Mr. from six survivors of the Laogai. One of tion to the floor. It’s been my pleasure SMITH), the ranking member on the them was Palden Gyatso, a Tibetan to work with her on this bill, and I am Subcommittee on Africa and Global monk who spent 24 years in prison. sure it’s the first of many that we will Health. When we invited him to come and work together through the caucus, Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. I thank speak, he brought with him some of the where I am the Democratic co-chair, to the distinguished gentlelady for yield- instruments of torture that are rou- advance the goals of women. ing and thank her for her leadership. tinely employed and used in a horrific Also, I would like to acknowledge the I would especially like to thank Tom manner against men and women in Chi- caucus vice-Chairs, Representative Lantos, our revered and great and hon- nese concentration camps. GWEN MOORE, Representative KAY

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:25 Mar 12, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00166 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A11MR7.072 H11MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with HOUSE March 11, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3313 GRANGER, and I am honored to have targets of extreme violence, brutality, abuse, including torture while in deten- this resolution be the first of the must- and intimidation. tion. pass legislative agenda items to make So, Mr. Speaker, it’s important that Mr. Speaker, we in this Congress it to the House floor with such remark- Congress recognize the importance of should rise in unanimous support of able bipartisan support. March 8. I am so glad that we passed the people of Tibet and present a uni- Each year countries around the world this resolution. I am grateful to the fied force of the Congress and the mark March 8 as International Wom- Congress for recognizing International Obama administration to unambig- en’s Day, as a day to recognize the con- Women’s Day, which we just celebrated uously condemn the Chinese govern- tributions and impact that women on March 8. ment’s ongoing crackdown in Tibet. We have made to our world’s history, to Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, must also convey a clear and con- recognize those women who have I’d like to yield 3 minutes to a member sistent message to Beijing that says worked together for gender equality of the Committee on Foreign Affairs— this: Progress in talks with the Dalai and to acknowledge the work that is and they are all gentle people in South Lama and bringing meaningful auton- yet to be done. Over the years, women Carolina—the gentleman from South omy and religious freedom to Tibet is have made significant strides. Carolina (Mr. INGLIS.) an essential benchmark that China All over the world and throughout Mr. INGLIS. I thank the distin- must meet in order to advance rela- history we have, they have consist- guished ranking member for that glow- tions with the United States. ently contributed to their economies, ing recommendation of my great State. I thank the gentlelady for yielding. participated in their governments and We are here today to recognize the Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am improved the quality of life of their plight of the Tibetan people. Several pleased to yield 3 minutes to the chair- families and of their nations. speakers have already mentioned in- man of the Human Rights Commission, In 2007 Congresswoman NANCY PELOSI credible stories of the indomitable the gentleman from Massachusetts was elected the first woman Speaker of human spirit. (Mr. MCGOVERN). the U.S. House of Representatives. In One story was told to me earlier Mr. MCGOVERN. Thank you. Mr. 2006 I attended the inauguration of today by a staff member who was vis- Speaker, I rise today in strong support Michelle Bachelet, the first woman iting in China, and tells a story of of this important resolution, and I President of Chile, and visited the Li- going to a Tibetan temple where, dur- want to thank my friend, Congressman berian President, Ellen Johnson- ing the Cultural Revolution, the people RUSH HOLT, Speaker NANCY PELOSI, and Sirleaf, the first woman president in of that town took their food rations the chairman and ranking member of Africa’s history. and the grain that would have been the House Foreign Affairs Committee In the 111th Congress, we have an all- food for them and put it in a temple in for their leadership in the long struggle time high of 74 women in Congress, a 35 order to hide a statue of a Buddha so as for freedom, dignity, and human rights percent increase from just 8 years ago. to protect it from desecration by the in Tibet. But women still only make up about 16 Chinese Communists. Many of those Mr. Speaker, for six decades the his- percent of the House of Representa- townspeople starved to death as a re- tory of Tibet has been marked by vio- tives. sult of giving up those food rations. lence. Even before 1949, the People’s In the U.S., we have made significant That is a story of the indomitable Liberation Army of China entered the strides in education. Women now grad- power of the human conscience and the eastern areas of Tibet during the Long uate from high school at higher rates tragedy that comes when nations try March. In 1959, they finally occupied and earn bachelor’s or higher degrees to defy that basic human right. So we the capital of Lhasa. at greater rates than men. are here today to celebrate the spirit of Fifty years ago, on March 10, the Ti- While American women earn more the Tibetan people and to call on the betan people rose up in Lhasa against high school and bachelor’s degrees than Communist Chinese to give greater po- Chinese rule. The backlash was furious men, two-thirds of the 876 million illit- litical rights and economic opportuni- and brutal. On March 17, the Dalai erate individuals in the world are ties and respect the dignity of the Ti- Lama fled Lhasa for his own safety, women. Two-thirds of the 125 million betan people. joined by some 80,000 Tibetans, for life school-age children not attending As we consider this resolution right in exile. Tens of thousands who re- school worldwide are girls. Girls are now, the Chinese government has for- mained were kill or imprisoned. less likely to complete school than bidden foreign journalists and tourists Thanks to the thriving exile commu- boys elsewhere around the globe. from entering Tibetan areas under nities in India, Europe, and the United Women are making progress in busi- their control. A massive crackdown is States, Tibetan cultural identity, lan- ness and make up 12 percent of the cur- underway that involves beefed-up para- guage, and religion have survived. rent CEOs of the Fortune 500 compa- military forces deployed throughout They have focused world attention on nies, but, still, a long way to go. the area and a deliberate disruption of the Tibetan struggle. But each and The SPEAKER pro tempore. The normal cell phone service to prevent every year, the situation inside Tibet time of the gentlewoman has expired. reports from leaking out. grows worse, with more repression, Mr. BERMAN. I would be pleased to For all practical purposes, as we have more arrests, more displacement, more yield an additional minute to the gen- heard here earlier today, Tibet is under deliberate destruction of the Tibetan tlelady. an unofficial state of martial law, 50 language, culture, and religion. Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Globally, women years after the Dalai Lama fled into One year ago, new protests rose up in work two-thirds of the world’s working exile. From March 2008 to June 2008, Tibet. They were the result of greater hours and produce half of the world’s Chinese officials disclosed that au- controls over religious and cultural ac- food, and still we earn only 1 percent of thorities detained more than 4,400 Ti- tivity, development that mainly bene- the world’s income and own less than 1 betans for allegedly rioting, the vast fited Chinese migrants, and forced re- percent of the world’s property. majority of whom are known to have settlement of farmers and nomads. Of the 300 million people living in engaged in peaceful protests. Thousands and thousands were ar- poverty, 70 percent are girls and A Tibetan NGO reported that a total rested. To date, there has been no full women. Millions of women and girls of more than 65,000 Tibetans have been accounting by Chinese authorities of are trafficked, physically abused, sexu- detained in 2008, and over a thousand of those arrested, detained, tried, sen- ally abused, or face the threat of vio- whose whereabouts and well-being re- tenced, or released, and no access to lence every day. mains unknown, many of whom are those detained by the International monks and nuns. Committee of the Red Cross or other b 1445 According to an August 21 report international observers, and all the Although Congress passed the PRO- from the Tibetan government-in-exile, time the Tibetan people daily become TECT Act to prevent trafficking in at least 218 Tibetans died between more of a minority in their own land. Iraq, Darfur, Afghanistan and many March and June of 2008 as a result of Mr. Speaker, as the new cochair of other places around the world, we still the Chinese police using lethal force the Tom Lantos Human Rights Com- see that women and girls tend to be the against protesters or from severe mission, it is humbling to follow in the

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:25 Mar 12, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00167 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11MR7.075 H11MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with HOUSE H3314 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 11, 2009 footsteps of Thomas Lantos. The Con- The human rights situation became so dire Buddhism, and they refuse to grant Tibetans gressional Human Rights Caucus, that in 1959, 1961 and 1965 (before China be- even the limited autonomy proposed by their which he founded, was the very first to came a member of the United Nations), the leader-in-exile, the Dalai Lama. The core ob- give the Dalai Lama a voice on Capitol jective of Beijing’s Tibet policy is to sub- UN General Assembly passed resolutions con- merge the Tibetan population under waves of Hill in 1987. demning the human rights violations in Tibet Han Chinese migrants who receive special in- On this 50th anniversary, let’s be and affirming Tibetans’ right to self-determina- centives to settle in Tibetan areas. very, very clear that the American peo- tion. Given China’s efforts toward a demo- ple in this House stand with His Holi- Supported by thriving exile communities in graphic smothering of Tibetans in their ness. We will not rest until meaningful India, the United States, Europe, Tibetan cul- homeland, it is no wonder that Chinese offi- and full autonomy for the Tibetan peo- tural identity, language and religion has sur- cials feel compelled to lie, brazenly, about the temperate program for reconciliation ple is achieved—and the Dalai Lama vived and the world is paying attention to the and his people can fulfill their dream of proposed by the Dalai Lama. In talks last Tibetan struggle. fall with Chinese representatives, the Dalai returning home to Tibet. In 2002 Congress passed the Tibetan Policy Lama’s envoys presented 11 proposals for I thank the chairman of the Foreign Act, the cornerstone of U.S. policy toward limited Tibetan autonomy. The Chinese re- Affairs Committee for generously giv- Tibet. The legislation codified the position of fused to discuss a single one of the 11 ideas, ing me this time. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues in our pretending that all 11 were thinly disguised Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support State Department, to ensure that U.S. policy demands for independence. of this important resolution, which recognizes Beijing takes this rigid position—repeating promotes a dialogue between the Chinese the transparent falsehood that the Dalai the plight of the Tibetan people on the 50th government and the representatives of the Anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Lama really wants political independence for Dalai Lama, and this Act and its policies must Tibet—because Chinese policy is to make no exile and calls for a sustained multilateral ef- remain the cornerstone of our policy regarding concessions to the Tibetan government-in- fort toward a peaceful solution to the Tibet Tibet also under this Administration. exile and instead to wait for the spiritual issue. I thank my friend RUSH HOLT, and the The policy of the United States Government leader of Tibetan Buddhists to die. The distinguished Ranking Member of the House flawed premise of this policy is that Tibetan has to be to continue promoting substantive Committee on Foreign Affairs, as well the resistance to Chinese dominance will evapo- dialogue between the Government of the Peo- Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, rate after the Dalai Lama is gone. But as the ple’s Republic of China and the Dalai Lama or for their leadership on human rights and for clashes last March in Tibetan regions dem- his representatives to resolve peacefully the bringing this resolution expeditiously to the onstrated, younger Tibetans are likely to be dispute and to allow for the return of the Dalai less patient, and less devoted to nonviolence, floor. than the Dalai Lama and his government-in- Mr. Speaker, last Friday my friend and dis- Lama. However, the United States cannot stand as exile in Dharamsala, India. tinguished colleague, FRANK WOLF and I were China’s rulers are fortunate to have the formally reappointed Co-Chairs of the Tom a mere neutral facilitator in this dialogue, when chance to come to terms with the Dalai Lantos Human Rights Commission, the suc- the Chinese government time and time again Lama on Tibetan autonomy within China. cessor body of the Congressional Human uses these proceedings to hold out hope, only Few other governments confronting op- Rights Caucus, which I had the honor to co- to drag out negotiations with His Holiness pressed ethnic or religious groups have been so lucky. chair with FRANK WOLF after our former col- without ever making any progress or without ever achieving any concrete results. All this, President Obama should appoint a special league Tom Lantos passed away. envoy for Tibet, someone who can help Chi- I mention this because of the historic signifi- while the Tibetan people become a minority in na’s leaders see that it is in their own inter- cance of the Congressional Human Rights their own territory because of government-con- est to give Tibetans the cultural and reli- Caucus in getting the voice of the Tibetan trolled migration, and the Tibetan culture is gious autonomy the Dalai Lama has pro- people heard in the United States. further eroded. posed. In 1987, it was Congressman Tom Lantos We cannot stand by neutrally, when the Chi- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. To wrap up our who had invited His Holiness the Dalai Lama nese government kidnaps a six-year-old child, side of the aisle on this important reso- to attend a meeting of the Congressional Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, whom His Holiness lution, I yield such time as he may Human Rights Caucus as the first official gov- has recognized as Panchen Lama, and allow consume to the co-Chair of the Tom ernment entity in the United States, despite the Chinese government to replace him with a Lantos Congressional Human Rights stiff opposition from many quarters including more convenient Panchem Lama of their own Commission, the gentleman from Vir- the U.S. Administration to do so. Many were choice. ginia (Mr. WOLF). fearful what such an invitation would do to our On this 50th anniversary, let’s be very clear Mr. WOLF. I want to thank the rank- bilateral relations with the People’s Republic of that the American people and this Congress ing member and also the chairman for China, and the PRC used every conceivable will always stand unwaveringly with His Holi- their leadership on this issue, and also tool to prevent this historic meeting from hap- ness in this peaceful endeavors, and will not thank Speaker PELOSI for her com- pening. rest until meaningful and full autonomy for the ments here today and also for the com- Those voices of those critics in the United Tibetan people is achieved, and His Holiness ments that she made yesterday. States soon fell quiet after the meeting took can fulfill his dream of returning to Tibet. In August of 1997, I traveled to Tibet, place, as the moral authority of his Holiness Mr. Speaker, Tom Lantos’ voice has fallen making it known to no one that I was and his perstintly peaceful way to fight for silent, but we cannot let our voices to fall si- a Member of Congress. I spoke to Bud- meaningful autonomy of the Tibetan people at- lent too. We always need to speak out for the dhist monks and nuns on the street and tracted more and more support and with the Tibetan people. in monasteries who have been brutally American people and in Congress. tortured in the infamous Drapchi pris- [From the Boston Globe, Mar. 10, 2009] Twenty years later, it was this body that on. We drove by the Drapchi prison and awarded His Holiness the Congressional Gold SAD ANNIVERSARIES IN TIBET they told us of the torture of pulling Medal in recognition of his life-long dedication The authorities in Beijing are nervous out fingernails and everything else, to the causes of peace and non-violent resolu- today, fearful that remembrance of things just simply for professing allegiance to tion to the Tibet issue. past will incite new disorder. They have good the Dalai Lama. Mr. Speaker, the history of Tibet has long reason: On this date two tragic anniversaries are commemorated. First, of the massacres The Chinese government sends Ti- been marked by violence. Even before 1949, Chinese troops perpetrated 50 years ago, kill- betan children to China for education the People’s Liberation Army of China entered ing 86,000 Tibetans, to crush a Tibetan revolt to learn Chinese ways. The Chinese the eastern areas of the traditional Tibetan ter- against harsh Chinese rule. And March 10 is government forbids faithful Buddhists ritory on The Long March. In 1951, they finally also the one-year anniversary of China’s vio- from displaying pictures of the Dalai occupied the Tibetan capital of Lhasa. lent crackdown on Tibetans protesting for Lama. There was one person in a Bud- On this day fifty years ago, the Tibetan peo- cultural and religious freedom. dhist monastery who showed me the ple rose up in Lhasa against Chinese rule, China’s attempts to expunge Tibet’s sepa- picture and then put it away quickly. and the backlash was furious and brutal. As a rate identity cast doubt on Beijing’s claim to What the Chinese government is be a rising power with benign intentions. doing to Tibet is cultural genocide— consequence, His Holiness the Dalai Lama There is a whiff of colonialism in China’s fled Lhasa on March 17, 1959, for his own treatment of Tibet and Tibetans. and I hope the foreign minister, who’s safety. He was joined by some 80,000 Tibet- Chinese policymakers are not content to in town today, hears it. It is cultural ans in exile. Tens of thousands of Tibetans deny Tibet’s distinct identity. They demean genocide—systematically destroying who remained were either killed or imprisoned. the ethical and spiritual values of Tibetan the fabric of the Tibetan society.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:48 Mar 12, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00168 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K11MR7.077 H11MRPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with HOUSE March 11, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3315 Last March, the Tibetan people took March 10th marks the 50th anniversary of House Resolution 125, by the yeas and to the streets to protest the iron-fisted an uprising against Chinese rule by the Ti- nays; rule of the Chinese government over betan people—an uprising that forced the 14th House Resolution 226, by the yeas and Tibet; a harsh crackdown, violent re- Dalai Lama into exile in India. On the anniver- nays. pression, and a year later, 1,200 Tibet- sary last year, Tibetan Buddhist monks and The first electronic vote will be con- ans remain unaccounted for. Where are nuns in and around Lhasa were blocked by ducted as a 15-minute vote. Remaining they? Let’s ask the foreign minister Chinese authorities from staging demonstra- electronic votes will be conducted as 5- when he goes to the State Department, tions and were met with force by the Chinese minute votes. Where are they? authorities. Protests then spread inside the f For over a decade, the United States Tibet Autonomous Region and other Tibetan has asked China for a consulate in areas of China. YEAR OF THE MILITARY FAMILY Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, and China Over the years, talks between envoys of the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- has refused. Yet we continue to allow Dalai Lama and representatives of the Chi- finished business is the vote on the mo- the Chinese government to build new nese government have failed to achieve any tion to suspend the rules and agree to consulates across the United States. concrete and substantive results. the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. We should not allow China to build any This resolution recognizes the Tibetan peo- 64, on which the yeas and nays were or- new consulates in the United States ple for their perseverance and endurance in dered. until China allows the U.S. to build a face of hardship and adversity in Tibet and for The Clerk read the title of the con- consulate in Lhasa, period, end of creating a vibrant and democratic community current resolution. story. in exile that sustains the Tibetan identity. It is with a heavy heart that we com- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The measure recognizes the government question is on the motion offered by memorate the Dalai Lama’s flight to and people of India for their generosity toward Dharmasala. I believe one day we will the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. the Tibetan refugee population for the last 50 SKELTON) that the House suspend the stand here—and, if this debate had years. It calls upon the Chinese government to taken place before, Tom Lantos would rules and agree to the concurrent reso- respond to the Dalai Lama’s initiatives to find lution, H. Con. Res. 64. be here, whereby people would give a lasting solution to the Tibetan issue, cease Tom Lantos the credit for leading the The vote was taken by electronic de- its repression of the Tibetan people, and to lift vice, and there were—yeas 422, nays 0, effort whereby Tibet will be, basi- immediately the policies imposed on Tibetans, cally—not basically, but Tibet will be not voting 9, as follows: including patriotic education campaigns, de- free. [Roll No. 119] tention and abuses of those freely expressing Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, YEAS—422 political views or relaying news about local I rise in support of H. Res. 226, recognizing conditions, and limitations on travel and com- Abercrombie Capps Emerson the Tibetan People on the anniversary of the Ackerman Capuano Engel munications. Dalai Lama’s exile. As a member of the House Aderholt Cardoza Eshoo Finally, Mr. Speaker, the resolution calls Adler (NJ) Carnahan Etheridge Committee on Foreign Affairs I am pleased to upon the administration to recommit to a sus- Akin Carney Fallin join my colleague RUSH HOLT in his sponsor- Altmire Carson (IN) Farr tained effort consistent with the Tibetan Policy ship of this important resolution. As we move Andrews Carter Fattah Act of 2002, that employs diplomatic, pro- to engage the government in Beijing I would Arcuri Cassidy Filner Austria Castle Flake only hope that the United States’ foreign policy grammatic, and multilateral resources to press the Chinese government to respect the Tibet- Baca Castor (FL) Fleming once again becomes a policy of peace and Bachmann Chaffetz Forbes goodwill and not a harbinger to international ans’ identity and the human rights of the Ti- Bachus Chandler Fortenberry hostilities. betan people. Mr. Speaker, we must continue Baird Childers Foster to engage the government in Beijing at all lev- Baldwin Clarke Foxx It is no accident that the first foreign trip of Barrett (SC) Clay Frank (MA) our new Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, was els and Tibet must be at the top of the list. Barrow Cleaver Franks (AZ) to Asia. China is integral to the re-establish- Again, I wish to thank my colleagues for their Bartlett Clyburn Frelinghuysen ment of American foreign policy in Asia. As we work on this matter. Barton (TX) Coble Fudge Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I yield back the Bean Coffman (CO) Gallegly engage the Chinese it is important that we ad- Becerra Cohen Garrett (NJ) dress human rights issues as well. balance of my time. Berkley Cole Gerlach The Dalai Lama has emerged on the inter- Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield Berman Conaway Giffords back the balance of my time, and urge Berry Connolly (VA) Gingrey (GA) national scene as a force for human rights Biggert Conyers Gohmert around the world. He has exhibited a grace a ‘‘yea’’ vote. Bilbray Cooper Gonzalez and sense of compassion throughout the strife The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Bilirakis Costa Goodlatte that has visited his homeland. question is on the motion offered by Bishop (GA) Costello Gordon (TN) the gentleman from California (Mr. Bishop (NY) Courtney Granger For more than 2,000 years Tibet maintained Bishop (UT) Crenshaw Graves a sovereign national identity distinct from the BERMAN) that the House suspend the Blackburn Crowley Grayson national identity of China. In 1949, however, rules and agree to the resolution, H. Blumenauer Cuellar Green, Al Chinese troops invaded and occupied Tibet Res. 226. Blunt Culberson Green, Gene The question was taken. Boccieri Cummings Griffith and have remained ever since. Boehner Dahlkemper Grijalva According to the State Department and nu- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the Bonner Davis (AL) Guthrie merous international human rights organiza- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being Bono Mack Davis (CA) Gutierrez tions, the Chinese government continues to in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Boozman Davis (IL) Hall (TX) Boren Davis (KY) Halvorson commit widespread and well-documented Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I Boswell Davis (TN) Hare human rights abuses in both China and Tibet. demand the yeas and nays. Boucher Deal (GA) Harman China also has yet to demonstrate its willing- The yeas and nays were ordered. Boustany DeFazio Harper ness to abide by internationally accepted The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Boyd DeGette Hastings (FL) Brady (PA) Delahunt Hastings (WA) norms of freedom of belief, expression, and ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Brady (TX) DeLauro Heinrich association by repealing or amending laws Chair’s prior announcement, further Broun (GA) Dent Heller and decrees that restrict those freedoms. We proceedings on this motion will be Brown (SC) Diaz-Balart, L. Hensarling postponed. Brown, Corrine Diaz-Balart, M. Herger urge the Chinese government to seek concilia- Brown-Waite, Dicks Herseth Sandlin tion with its many different groups, as opposed f Ginny Dingell Higgins to employing further government restrictions. Buchanan Doggett Hill In addition, while China is a signatory to the ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Burgess Donnelly (IN) Himes International Covenant on Civil and Political PRO TEMPORE Burton (IN) Doyle Hinchey Butterfield Dreier Hinojosa Rights, the United Nations Convention Relat- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Buyer Driehaus Hirono ing to Refugees, and the United Nations Con- ant to clause 8 of rule XX, proceedings Calvert Duncan Hodes vention Against Torture and Other Forms of will resume on motions to suspend the Camp Edwards (MD) Hoekstra Campbell Edwards (TX) Holden Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or rules previously postponed. Votes will Cantor Ehlers Holt Punishment, in practice, the Chinese govern- be taken in the following order: Cao Ellison Honda ment has often not followed the treaties. H. Con. Res. 64, by the yeas and nays; Capito Ellsworth Hoyer

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