September 25, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8849 For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to three citizens of the United States died and (18) The United States regularly grants stand with me in the support of H.R. 6580. more than a dozen others, all from Walnut, visas to Chinese diplomats and other offi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The California, were injured, undermining the cials, scholars, and others who travel to the question is on the motion offered by ability of the Government of the United United States to discuss, promote, and dis- States to provide consular services to the play the perspective of the Government of the gentleman from Florida (Mr. RUTH- victims and their families, and failing to China on the situation in Tibetan areas, even ERFORD) that the House suspend the meet China’s obligations under the Conven- as the Government of China restricts the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 6580, as tion on Consular Relations, done at Vienna ability of citizens of the United States to amended. April 24, 1963 (21 UST 77). travel to Tibetan areas to gain their own The question was taken; and (two- (8) Following a 2015 earthquake that perspective. thirds being in the affirmative) the trapped dozens of citizens of the United (19) Chinese diplomats based in the United rules were suspended and the bill, as States in the Tibet Autonomous Region, the States generally avail themselves of the amended, was passed. United States Consulate General in Chengdu freedom to travel to United States cities and lobby city councils, mayors, and governors The title of the bill was amended so faced significant challenges in providing emergency consular assistance due to a lack to refrain from passing resolutions, issuing as to read: ‘‘A bill to amend the Immi- of consular access. proclamations, or making statements of con- gration and Nationality Act to provide (9) The Country Reports on Human Rights cern on Tibet. for naturalization processes for the im- Practices for 2015 of the Department of State (20) The Government of China character- mediate relatives of first responders stated ‘‘With the exception of a few highly izes statements made by officials of the who die as a result of their employ- controlled trips, the Chinese government United States about the situation in Tibetan ment, and for other purposes.’’. also denied multiple requests by foreign dip- areas as inappropriate interference in the in- A motion to reconsider was laid on lomats for permission to visit the TAR.’’. ternal affairs of China. the table. (10) Tibetan-Americans, attempting to SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. visit their homeland, report having to under- f go a discriminatory visa application process, In this Act: different from what is typically required, at (1) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT- RECIPROCAL ACCESS TO TIBET TEES.—The term ‘‘appropriate congressional ACT OF 2018 the Chinese embassy and consulates in the United States, and often find their requests committees’’ means— Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I to travel denied. (A) the Committee on Foreign Relations move to suspend the rules and pass the (11) The Country Reports on Human Rights and the Committee on the Judiciary of the bill (H.R. 1872) to promote access for Practices for 2016 of the Department of State Senate; and stated ‘‘The few visits to the TAR by dip- (B) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and United States officials, journalists, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House other citizens to Tibetan areas of the lomats and journalists that were allowed were tightly controlled by local authori- of Representatives. People’s Republic of China, and for ties.’’. (2) TIBETAN AREAS.—The term ‘‘Tibetan other purposes, as amended. (12) A September 2016 article in the Wash- areas’’ includes— The Clerk read the title of the bill. ington Post reported that ‘‘The Tibet Auton- (A) the Tibet Autonomous Region; and The text of the bill is as follows: omous Region . . . is harder to visit as a (B) the areas that the Chinese Government designates as Tibetan Autonomous, as fol- H.R. 1872 journalist than North Korea.’’. (13) The Government of China has failed to lows: Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- respond positively to requests from the Gov- (i) Kanlho (Gannan) Tibetan Autonomous resentatives of the United States of America in ernment of the United States to open a con- Prefecture, and Pari (Tianzhu) Tibetan Au- Congress assembled, sulate in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region. tonomous County located in Gansu Province. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (14) The Foreign Correspondents Club of (ii) Golog (Guoluo) Tibetan Autonomous This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Reciprocal China reports that— Prefecture, Malho (Huangnan) Tibetan Au- Access to Tibet Act of 2018’’. (A) 2008 rules prevent foreign reporters tonomous Prefecture, Tsojang (Haibei) Ti- SEC. 2. FINDINGS. from visiting the Tibet Autonomous Region betan Autonomous Prefecture, Tsolho (Hai- Congress finds the following: without prior permission from the Govern- nan) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, (1) The Government of the People’s Repub- ment of such Region; Tsonub (Haixi) Mongolian and Tibetan Au- lic of China does not grant United States (B) such permission has only rarely been tonomous Prefecture, and Yulshul (Yushu) diplomats and other officials, journalists, granted; and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, located in and other citizens access to China on a basis (C) although the 2008 rules allow journal- Qinghai Province. that is reciprocal to the access that the Gov- ists to travel freely in other parts of China, (iii) Garze (Ganzi) Tibetan Autonomous ernment of the United States grants Chinese Tibetan areas outside such Region remain Prefecture, Ngawa (Aba) Tibetan and Qiang diplomats and other officials, journalists, ‘‘effectively off-limits to foreign reporters’’. Autonomous Prefecture, and Muli (Mili) Ti- and citizens. (15) The Department of State reports that betan Autonomous County, located in (2) The Government of China imposes in addition to having to obtain permission to Sichuan Province. greater restrictions on travel to Tibetan enter the Tibet Autonomous Region, foreign (iv) Dechen (Diqing) Tibetan Autonomous areas than to other areas of China. tourists— Prefecture, located in Yunnan Province. (3) Officials of China have stated that Tibet (A) must be accompanied at all times by a SEC. 4. ANNUAL REPORT ON ACCESS TO TIBETAN is open to foreign visitors. government-designated tour guide; AREAS. (4) The Government of China is promoting (B) are rarely granted permission to enter tourism in Tibetan areas, and at the Sixth the region by road; (a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days Tibet Work Forum in August 2015, Premier (C) are largely barred from visiting around after the date of the enactment of this Act, Li Keqiang called for Tibet to build ‘‘major the March anniversary of a 1959 Tibetan up- and annually thereafter for the following world tourism destinations’’. rising; and five years, the Secretary of State shall sub- (5) The Government of China requires for- (D) are banned from visiting the area mit to the appropriate congressional com- eigners to obtain permission from the Tibet where Larung Gar, the world’s largest center mittees, and make available to the public on Foreign and Overseas Affairs Office or from for the study of Tibetan Buddhism, and the the website of the Department of State, a re- the Tibet Tourism Bureau to enter the Tibet site of a large-scale campaign to expel stu- port that includes an assessment of the level Autonomous Region, a restriction that is not dents and demolish living quarters, is lo- of access Chinese authorities granted dip- imposed on travel to any other provincial- cated. lomats and other officials, journalists, and level jurisdiction in China. (16) Foreign visitors also face restrictions tourists from the United States to Tibetan (6) The Department of State reports that— in their ability to travel freely in Tibetan areas, including— (A) officials of the Government of the areas outside the Tibet Autonomous Region. (1) a comparison with the level of access United States submitted 39 requests for dip- (17) The Government of the United States granted to other areas of China; lomatic access to the Tibet Autonomous Re- generally allows journalists and other citi- (2) a comparison between the levels of ac- gion between May 2011 and July 2015, but zens of China to travel freely within the cess granted to Tibetan and non-Tibetan only four were granted; and United States. The Government of the areas in relevant provinces; (B) when such requests are granted, diplo- United States requires diplomats from China (3) a comparison of the level of access in matic personnel are closely supervised and to notify the Department of State of their the reporting year and the previous report- given few opportunities to meet local resi- travel plans, and in certain situations, the ing year; and dents not approved by authorities. Government of the United States requires (4) a description of the required permits (7) The Government of China delayed such diplomats to obtain approval from the and other measures that impede the freedom United States consular access for more than Department of State before travel. However, to travel in Tibetan areas. 48 hours after an October 28, 2013, bus crash where approval is required, it is almost al- (b) CONSOLIDATION.—After the issuance of in the Tibet Autonomous Region, in which ways granted expeditiously. the first report required by subsection (a),

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:06 Sep 26, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00105 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25SE7.100 H25SEPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H8850 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 25, 2018 the Secretary of State is authorized to incor- and other officials from China access to some foreign media are based. Inde- porate subsequent reports required by sub- parts of the United States, including con- pendent international observers are section (a) into other publicly available, an- sular access, should take into account the shut out of Tibet or allowed to visit nual reports produced by the Department of extent to which the Government of China only under strictly controlled cir- State, provided they are submitted to the ap- grants diplomats and other officials from the propriate congressional committees in a United States access to parts of China, in- cumstances, while numerous delega- manner specifying that they are being sub- cluding the level of access afforded to such tions of party officials face no obsta- mitted in fulfillment of the requirements of diplomats and other officials to Tibetan cles in traveling to Western democ- this Act. areas. racies to spread their propaganda. SEC. 5. INADMISSIBILITY OF CERTAIN ALIENS. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- In fact, travel by Chinese nationals, (a) INELIGIBILITY FOR VISAS.—No individual ant to the rule, the gentleman from including those with direct and sub- whom the Secretary of State has determined Florida (Mr. RUTHERFORD) and the gen- stantial involvement in the formula- to be substantially involved in the formula- tlewoman from Washington (Ms. tion of policies to restrict access to tion or execution of policies related to access for foreigners to Tibetan areas may be eligi- JAYAPAL) each will control 20 minutes. Tibet, is routinely allowed by govern- ble to receive a visa to enter the United The Chair recognizes the gentleman ments all over the world, including the States or be admitted to the United States if from Florida. United States. During fiscal year 2017, the Secretary of State determines that— GENERAL LEAVE for instance, nearly 1.5 million tourist (1)(A) the requirement for specific official Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I visas were issued by the United States permission for foreigners to enter the Ti- ask unanimous consent that all Mem- to Chinese nationals. Those visas are betan Autonomous Region remains in effect; bers have 5 legislative days to revise valid for 10 years, during which the or and extend their remarks and include Chinese nationals can visit the United (B) such requirement has been replaced by a regulation that has a similar effect and re- extraneous materials on H.R. 1872, cur- States multiple times. During that quires foreign travelers to gain a level of rently under consideration. same period, the United States issued permission to enter the Tibet Autonomous The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there nearly 4,500 diplomatic visas to Chinese Region that is not required for travel to objection to the request of the gen- officials. other provinces in China; and tleman from Florida? H.R. 1872 prohibits an individual who (2) restrictions on travel by diplomats and There was no objection. is ‘‘substantially involved in the for- other officials, journalists, and citizens of Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I mulation or execution of policies re- the United States to areas designated as ‘‘Ti- yield myself such time as I may con- lated to access for foreigners to Ti- betan Autonomous’’ in the provinces of sume. Sichuan, Qinghai, Yunnan, and Gansu of betan areas’’ from being granted a U.S. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1872, the Recip- visa if the Secretary determines that: China are greater than any restrictions on rocal Access to Tibet Act of 2018, ad- travel by such officials and citizens to areas one, the requirement for specific offi- in such provinces that are not so designated. dresses an issue of longstanding and in- cial permission for foreigners to enter (b) CURRENT VISAS REVOKED.—The Sec- creasing concern regarding China’s the Tibet Autonomous Region remains retary of State shall revoke, in accordance treatment of Tibetans living in the in effect; or, two, such requirement has with section 221(i) of the Immigration and Tibet Autonomous Region, also known been replaced by a regulation that has Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1201(i)), the visa or as TAR, and other Tibetan areas con- a similar effect and requires foreign other documentation to enter or be present trolled by China. in the United States issued for an alien who travelers to gain a level of permission In 1950, the Chinese People’s Libera- to enter the Tibet Autonomous Region would be ineligible to receive such a visa or tion Army went into Tibet in order to documentation under subsection (a). that is not required for travel to other establish control over the region. In (c) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than provinces in China; and, three, restric- one year after the date of the enactment of the years since then, as noted by the tions on travel by officials, journalists, this Act, and annually thereafter for the fol- U.S. Department of State, the Chinese and citizens of the United States to lowing five years, the Secretary of State Government has ‘‘imposed severe re- areas designated as ‘‘Tibetan Autono- shall provide to the appropriate congres- strictions on Tibetans’ ability to exer- mous’’ in the provinces of Sichuan, sional committees a report identifying the cise their human rights and funda- individuals who have had visas denied or re- Qinghai, Yunnan, Gansu of China are mental freedoms.’’ Such restrictions greater than any restrictions on travel voked pursuant to this section during the occur with regard to religious practice, preceding year and, to the extent prac- by such officials and citizens to areas ticable, a list of Chinese officials who were freedom of travel, freedom to practice in such provinces that are not so des- substantially involved in the formulation or cultural and language preferences, and ignated. Any visas currently held by execution of policies to restrict access of other aspects of everyday life. such individuals will be revoked under In addition, the Chinese Government United States diplomats and other officials, the bill. journalists, and citizens of the United States routinely engages in human rights to Tibetan areas. The report required by this abuses, such as extrajudicial killings, The bill then requires the State De- subsection shall be submitted in unclassified torture, and arbitrary arrest. In fact, partment to report annually to the form, but may include a classified annex. the Chinese Government’s actions are House and Senate Judiciary Commit- (d) WAIVER FOR NATIONAL INTEREST.— so severe that, in recent years, over 150 tees as well as the House Foreign Af- (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of State fairs Committee and the Senate For- may waive the application of subsection (a) Tibetans have self-immolated in a last- ditch effort to get the rest of the world eign Relations Committee on the num- or (b) in the case of an alien if the Secretary ber of actions taken regarding visas determines that such a waiver— to focus on this problem. (A) is necessary to permit the United In order to prevent documentation of pursuant to this legislation. States to comply with the Agreement Re- the religious freedom restrictions and According to the State Department, garding the Headquarters of the United Na- other human rights abuses to the out- in recent years, there have been very tions, signed at Lake Success June 26, 1947, side world, the Government of China small inroads made with regard to ac- and entered into force November 21, 1947 has severely limited access by foreign cess to the Tibetan areas. And while (TIAS 1676), or any other applicable inter- nationals to these Tibetan regions. some have expressed the concern that national obligation of the United States; or maybe this bill could make the Chinese (B) is in the national interest of the United Such limitations prevent access to U.S. States. officials seeking diplomatic and con- Government roll back some of those in- (2) NOTIFICATION.—Upon granting a waiver sular access, journalists, human rights roads, moving this bill is the right under paragraph (1), the Secretary of State workers, and even tourists. When rare thing to do. It is time that Congress shall submit to the appropriate congres- access is granted, activities are closely takes a stand with regard to access by sional committees a document detailing the monitored by the PRC and information foreign nationals to the Tibetan re- evidence and justification for the necessity dissemination is restricted. gions. of such waiver, including, if such waiver is Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Con- granted pursuant to paragraph (1)(B), how Matteo Mecacci, the president of the such waiver relates to the national interest International Campaign for Tibet, has gressman MCGOVERN for his work on of the United States. stated that the Chinese leadership is this issue. SEC. 6. SENSE OF CONGRESS. seeking to enforce complete isolation I urge my colleagues to support the It is the sense of Congress that the Sec- of Tibet, often described as being worse bill, and I reserve the balance of my retary of State, when granting diplomats than in North Korea, where at least time.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:06 Sep 26, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00106 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25SE7.063 H25SEPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 25, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8851 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, H.R. 1872 is premised on the idea that longer had the will, no longer had the COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS, reciprocity forms the basis of diplo- desire, to speak out in support of Tibet. Washington, DC, August 31, 2018. matic law and the practice of mutual But with this bill, Mr. Speaker, au- Hon. BOB GOODLATTE, exchanges between countries. This bill thored by my good friend and my col- Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC. simply requires that, if Chinese offi- league, Congressman JIM MCGOVERN, DEAR CHAIRMAN GOODLATTE: Thank you for cials, journalists, and other citizens we are finally reversing that trend. We consulting with the Foreign Affairs Com- are able to travel freely in the United are sending a clear message, a true sig- mittee regarding H.R. 1872, the Reciprocal States, it is only fair that their Amer- nal, to the regime in Beijing that the Access to Tibet Act, and for considering our ican counterparts are also able to do United States has indeed not forgotten input during your markup of the bill. I agree the same; and if Americans are not about the people of Tibet, that Con- that the Foreign Affairs Committee may be discharged from further consideration of granted the same access to Tibet that gress will not accept Beijing’s bullying that measure, so that it may proceed expedi- the Chinese enjoy in the United States, and its intimidation, and that we will tiously to the House floor. then there should be consequences. stand up in support of human rights for I am writing to confirm our mutual under- This is more than reasonable and the people of Tibet. standing that forgoing further action on this long overdue. Tibet is so difficult to From demolishing Buddhist temples measure does not in any way diminish, alter, visit that a Washington Post journalist to jailing more and more prisoners of or prejudice the jurisdiction of the Com- conscience, Beijing’s policies in Tibet mittee on Foreign Affairs, its jurisdictional said in 2016, Tibet ‘‘is harder to visit as prerogatives on this bill or similar legisla- a journalist than North Korea.’’ are not only immoral and unjust, but tion, or its right to seek an appropriate num- Mr. Speaker, I had the great honor are threatening the stability of a cru- ber of conferees to any House-Senate con- last year of traveling with our minor- cial area for U.S. interests. We must ference involving this bill. ity leader, NANCY PELOSI, and Con- put pressure on China to stop its re- I ask that a copy of our exchange of letters gressman MCGOVERN to Dharamsala pression. on this matter be included in the Congres- This bill demonstrates that Tibetan sional Record during floor consideration of last year to visit with His Holiness, the H.R. 1872. Dalai Lama. It was a deeply, deeply human rights continue to be an impor- Sincerely, moving meeting with him, with the Ti- tant factor in our relations with Bei- EDWARD R. ROYCE, betan Government in exile, and the jing, and I encourage all of my col- Chairman. 10,000-plus people who came to a public leagues to give Mr. MCGOVERN full sup- celebration event while we were there. port for this bill. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, The world knows that His Holiness is Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I am COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY, a man of peace and tremendous integ- proud to yield such time as he may Washington, DC, September 20, 2018. rity. He has laid out a 5-year roadmap consume to the gentleman from Massa- Hon. EDWARD R. ROYCE, Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, for negotiations with China, and he is chusetts (Mr. MCGOVERN), my col- Washington, DC. willing to work with China to find a league, the sponsor of this bill, and a DEAR CHAIRMAN ROYCE: Thank you for con- way forward. For any peace plan to get great fighter for human rights. sulting with the Committee on the Judiciary a footing, we have to work closely with Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I and agreeing to be discharged from further our global partners to push this issue thank my colleague from Washington consideration of H.R. 1872, the ‘‘Reciprocal at this time because, if His Holiness for yielding me the time and for her Access to Tibet Act,’’ so that the bill may leadership on this legislation. I appre- proceed expeditiously to the House floor. should die, and he will eventually do I agree that your foregoing further action so, a period of greater instability is ciate it very much. And I am grateful on this measure does not in any way dimin- likely to ensure making the human to my colleagues from Florida, as well, ish or alter the jurisdiction of your com- rights issues and the possible solutions for their support and for their leader- mittee or prejudice its jurisdictional prerog- still more intractable. The timing of ship. atives on this bill or similar legislation in U.S. actions here is extremely impor- Mr. Speaker, today is a great day for the future. I would support your effort to tant. human rights. The House is about to seek appointment of an appropriate number approve our bipartisan bill, the Recip- of conferees from your committee to any Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of House-Senate conference on this legislation. my time. rocal Access to Tibet Act, that will im- I will seek to place our letters on H.R. 1872 Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I pose real consequences for China’s bad into the Congressional Record during floor yield such time as she may consume to behavior in Tibet. consideration of the bill. I appreciate your the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. America’s foreign policy ought to cooperation regarding this legislation and ROS-LEHTINEN). send a message that we value human look forward to continuing to work together Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rights, that we stand with those work- as this measure moves through the legisla- ing for freedom, that those values com- tive process. thank my friend, my colleague from Sincerely, Florida, for the time. pel us to speak out when we see some- BOB GOODLATTE, Mr. Speaker, when the Dalai Lama thing that is wrong, and that we will Chairman. was awarded the Congressional Gold hold accountable those who violate the Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield Medal in the year 2007—and this was basic human rights we all are entitled myself such time as I may consume. through legislation that I had the to. That is exactly what this bill today Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong privilege of authoring with Tom Lan- is all about. support of the Reciprocal Access to tos, our esteemed late chairman of the The basis of diplomatic law is mutual Tibet bill, introduced by my colleague Foreign Affairs Committee and the access and reciprocity. But while Chi- JIM MCGOVERN, who has been working only Holocaust survivor to have served nese diplomats, journalists, and tour- on this issue for such a long time as in this body—when we passed that in ists travel freely within the United our ranking member on the Rules Com- the House and we had the celebration States, the Government of the People’s mittee and the co-chair of the Lantos of the Dalai Lama right down the hall, Republic of China has erected many Human Rights Commission. I would the plight of the people of Tibet was at barriers to travel in areas of China in- like to thank him for his hard work the forefront of U.S. policy toward habited by ethnic Tibetans. and dedication to this issue and on this China. U.S. diplomats, journalists, and tour- bill. ists must obtain permission to enter The Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act is b 2030 the Tibet Autonomous Region, a re- about fairness, human rights, and care- But in the years since, as China has quirement that does not exist for any ful U.S. diplomacy at its core. For too gained both in strength and in power, I other provincial-level entity of China. long, China has restricted access to have grown increasingly worried that Visitors also face obstacles to their Tibet, preventing U.S. diplomats and Tibet has been pushed to the periphery, ability to travel to Tibetan areas out- journalists from observing human to the edges. It is an afterthought. side the TAR. rights abuses in Tibet and preventing I was worried that China’s bullying But under this bill, Chinese authori- Tibetan Americans from visiting their and intimidation tactics, on display ties who are involved in the design and home country. This bill seeks to reset throughout the world, had extended so implementation of policies that re- that table. far that our United States Congress no strict travel to Tibetan areas become

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:06 Sep 26, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00107 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25SE7.068 H25SEPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H8852 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 25, 2018 ineligible to receive a visa or be admit- human rights is the moral thing to do; where he went in Tibet, and then also ted to the United States. This is a vic- it is the right thing to do; and it is the in the rest of China, he brought up this tory for human rights of Tibetans and American thing to do for Tibetans in issue of reciprocity. It has a human Americans. China and everywhere else in the rights aspect to it, but it also is a prac- Restricted access to Tibet has many world. tical matter that if we want to improve negative consequences for Tibetans in Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I communication and relationships and China and for citizens of the United reserve the balance of my time. the rest, if the Tibetan—it is the Chi- States. Tibetans are left isolated from Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield nese Government, but in the form of the rest of the world. Their well-docu- myself such time as I may consume. the Tibetan—local government there mented suffering under Chinese rule— Mr. Speaker, the actions called for in wants more people to go to school and arbitrary detention, torture and ill- this bill are measured and calibrated, visit Tibet and all, as a practical mat- treatment, extensive government sur- measured in that they follow the line ter, it would be very important for us veillance, restrictions on the use of of traditional diplomacy of taking to have a diplomatic presence in Lhasa. their language and their religious and careful steps without the dangers of Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the cultural practices—all these violations over-escalation, but calibrated to Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act as a of fundamental human rights are hid- achieve a real opening, to wisely use strong, bipartisan bill. We are very den from sight. Preventing diplomats, U.S. power to open up an opportunity proud of that. It takes an important journalists, and tourists from traveling for the two sides to take their next step forward to advance the future of to Tibet makes it much harder to as- steps. freedom, dignity, and prosperity for sess the full scope of these abuses. There are many Tibetan Americans the Tibetan people. I know firsthand how important ac- throughout the United States whose Mr. Speaker, I congratulate and ac- cess to Tibet is because I had the op- family members still reside within knowledge the leadership of Congress- portunity to join Leader PELOSI and Tibet, and they are watching this man JIM MCGOVERN, as I mentioned, several other Members of Congress for Chamber closely for signs that the who is co-chair of the Tom Lantos a visit there in November of 2015. I saw United States is willing to help, willing Human Rights Commission. Ten years the tight control the government exer- to allow them to return to visit their ago, he became the chair of that com- cises over virtually all aspects of the families, and hoping fervently for a so- mission. He was working on this issue daily lives of Tibetans. And I had peo- lution to the pain and suffering in even before then. ple thank me for being there, remem- Tibet and with the diaspora that has His leadership honors the legacy of bering them, and fighting for their been experienced by generations. Tom Lantos, our colleague, and the re- rights. This is the time for bold U.S. leader- sponsibility of Congress to defend On the other side, China’s travel re- ship, and I do believe that is what this human rights and dignity around the strictions deny Americans the right to bill offers tonight. Our timely consid- world. That has always been not only visit one of the most beautiful places eration of this bill takes an important bipartisan, but bicameral on this issue. on Earth and to experience Tibetan step forward in leveling the global This bill holds China officials ac- culture in all its richness. In emer- playing field. This bill seeks to make countable for their repressive cam- gencies, Americans may be denied help, simple policy changes to enforce reci- paign to cut off Tibet from America due to China’s restrictive policies. procity between our two countries, to and the world. It promotes free, unfet- I am reminded that in an October make clear that China cannot bar our tered travel for American diplomats, 2013 bus crash in the TAR, which left people from Tibet and continue to ex- journalists, and tourists to Tibet, and three Americans dead and many others pect open access to our country. Allow- fosters strong bonds between our peo- injured, U.S. consular officers faced a ing for the freedom of movement for ples. And it sends a clear signal that delay in obtaining permission to travel people in both of our nations sets an China’s meddling in Tibet’s affairs is to the region. This severely hindered important precedent going forward. unacceptable and cannot continue. their ability to serve American citizens Mr. Speaker, let me just say that For six decades, the Tibetan people in distress. this has been an incredibly important have stood defiant in the face of op- Following a 2015 earthquake that bipartisan collaboration that we have pression and brutality from an authori- trapped dozens of U.S. citizens in the had. I am very grateful to my colleague tarian China. The people of Tibet have TAR, the U.S. consulate general faced from Florida for her work on this, and courageously spoken out for their free- significant challenges in providing I am also very grateful to Chairman dom, and the rest of the world has been emergency consular assistance. This is GOODLATTE and to Ranking Member stirred to action by their clarion call simply unacceptable. NADLER for their work on this. for justice and dignity. All freedom- If China wants its citizens and offi- Mr. Speaker, I am proud to yield 1 loving people must continue to speak cials to continue to travel freely in the minute to the gentlewoman from Cali- out until every Tibetan can learn, wor- U.S., Americans, including Tibetan fornia (Ms. PELOSI), the minority lead- ship, and live free from persecution and Americans, must be able to travel free- er, who has been a tireless champion on abuse. ly in China, including Tibet, beginning this issue for decades, has led many of I might add, sadly, that we would now. This bill will move us in the right us to meet with His Holiness, has hope that there would be respect for direction on this basic but very impor- worked with His Holiness to come here, the dignity and the faith of the tant issue. and has been a champion for human Uighurs in China as well. Let me also take a moment to recog- rights around the world. In November 2015, I led a congres- nize several organizations with which I Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank sional delegation—as I mentioned, the have had the privilege to work on be- the gentlewoman from Washington first congressional delegation in a long half of the human rights of all Tibet- State who, from day one, has been a time to enter Tibet—with Congressman ans. I thank Human Rights Watch, the champion for human rights in our MCGOVERN in Jokhang Temple, Potala Office of Tibet, Students for a Free country and throughout the world. I Palace, and Sera Monastery, and wit- Tibet, and most especially the Inter- was proud to travel with her to visit nessed the strength of the Tibetan peo- national Campaign on Tibet. Without with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, ple and the beauty of their culture. their commitment and persistence, this where this issue has been on the fore- Last year, again, I led another bipar- bill would not be on the floor today. front for many years and currently. tisan delegation to Nepal and India, With this bill, we are taking an im- I thank Mr. HULTGREN for his leader- where we were blessed to be received by portant step forward on behalf of the ship and for being part of this legisla- His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and Con- human rights of Tibetans; we are re- tion, and also CHRIS SMITH and Frank gresswoman JAYAPAL was part of that. affirming our support for the leader- Wolf before him. We have been working We had the opportunity to see the aspi- ship of His Holiness the Dalai Lama; on this for a long time. rations of the Tibetan people firsthand, and we are sending a message to the On a previous trip, we visited Tibet, now living in India, especially in the Government of China that human and we called Mr. MCGOVERN the spir- eyes of the Tibetan schoolchildren in rights are not negotiable. Supporting itual leader of our trip because every- Dharamshala.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:06 Sep 26, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00108 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K25SE7.120 H25SEPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 25, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8853 These people are there, separated gard to access by foreign nationals to rules were suspended and the bill, as from their parents for the most part, the Tibetan regions. Again, I want to amended, was passed. because they are not allowed to prac- thank Congressman MCGOVERN for his The title of the bill was amended so tice their faith, speak their language, work on this issue. as to read: ‘‘A bill to promote access or enjoy their culture in Tibet because Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to for United States diplomats and other that is suppressed. support H.R. 1872, and I yield back the officials, journalists, and other citizens Today, those aspirations remain in balance of my time. to Tibetan areas of the People’s Repub- peril as China continues to silence the Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in lic of China, and for other purposes.’’. voices crying out for freedom in Tibet support of H.R. 1872, the ‘‘Reciprocal Access A motion to reconsider was laid on and across the region. Every day, Ti- to Tibet Act of 2017,’’ which promotes access the table. betans, Uighurs—again, the Uighurs for United States officials, journalists, and f are the Muslims in the western areas of other citizens to Tibetan areas of the People’s China—and the people of Hong Kong Republic of China. MIGRATORY BIRD FRAMEWORK and all throughout China are subjected As a co-sponsor of this bill, I am acutely AND HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES to the threat of oppression and perse- aware of the importance of this legislation. FOR VETERANS ACT cution simply for wishing to practice The Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act of Mr. MCCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I their faith and pursue a more demo- 2017,’’ is the first step in opening access to move to suspend the rules and pass the cratic future. Tibet because it would restrict access to China bill (H.R. 6013) to amend the Migratory b 2045 as long as the government of China restricts Bird Treaty Act to establish January Mr. Speaker, if we don’t speak out access to Tibet. 31 of each year as the Federal closing The act requires the State Department to for human rights in China because of date for duck hunting season and to es- submit an annual, publicly available report to our commercial relationship with tablish special duck hunting days for them, we lose all moral authority to Congress that includes a list of individuals youths, veterans, and active military speak out for human rights anyplace in holding specified senior Chinese leadership personnel, and for other purposes, as the world. As Members of Congress, we positions and an assessment of the level of amended. have a responsibility to stand with the access Chinese authorities granted U.S. dip- The Clerk read the title of the bill. Tibetan people as they fight to be free lomats, journalists, and tourists to Tibetan The text of the bill is as follows: to practice their faith traditions, speak areas in China. H.R. 6013 In turn, the listed persons shall be ineligible their language, and celebrate their cul- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- tures. This bill takes a strong step to- to enter or to be present in the United States resentatives of the United States of America in ward that mission, and I urge my col- if specified restrictions on foreign travelers en- Congress assembled, tering Tibetan areas remain in effect. leagues to join in a strong bipartisan SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. ‘‘yes’’ on this vote. When we grant Chinese diplomats’ access This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Migratory Again, I want to commend my col- to parts of the United States, we should take Bird Framework and Hunting Opportunities leagues on the other side of the aisle into account the extent to which China grants for Veterans Act’’. who have for a very long time been U.S. diplomats access to parts of China, in- SEC. 2. FEDERAL CLOSING DATE FOR HUNTING such leaders on the issues of human cluding the Tibetan areas. OF DUCKS, MERGANSERS, AND For far too long have we allowed Chinese COOTS. rights throughout the world, including Section 3 of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in China, and for whom this particular officials to enjoy our freedoms of movement and expression while we condoned with our (16 U.S.C. 704) is amended by adding at the bill has emerged as one manifestation end the following: silence their draconian restrictions on those of where we can make a reasonable, ‘‘(c) FEDERAL FRAMEWORK CLOSING DATE measured difference in our relation- very freedoms. FOR HUNTING OF DUCKS, MERGANSERS, AND ship. China considers any evidence of Chinese or COOTS.— So I thank Mr. HULTGREN and Mr. Tibetans showing loyalty to or being in com- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In promulgating regula- tions under subsection (a) relating to the MCGOVERN for their leadership in munication with the Tibetan government in exile to be illegal and subject to harsh punish- Federal framework for outside dates within bringing this forth. I thank the Judici- which the States may select seasons for mi- ary Committee and my colleague who ment. Chinese authorities tightly restrict travel and gratory bird hunting, except as provided in was so important on our trip. So it is paragraph (2), the Secretary shall, with re- really a joy to see the gentleman on news media in Tibet. spect to the hunting season for ducks, mer- the floor leading this debate. I thank Individuals who use the internet, social gansers, and coots— the gentleman for bringing his elo- media, or other means to disseminate dis- ‘‘(A) adopt the recommendation of each re- quence, his compassion, his concern, senting views or share politically sensitive con- spective flyway council (as defined in section and his leadership to this important tent face arrest and harsh penalties. 20.152 of title 50, Code of Federal Regula- Tibetan cultural expression, which the au- tions) for the Federal framework if consid- issue. ered by the Secretary to be consistent with Mr. Speaker, I urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote. thorities associate with separatism, is subject to especially harsh restrictions; those incarcer- science-based and sustainable adaptive har- Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I am vest management, but the framework closing prepared to close. I have no further ated in recent years have included scores of date shall be January 31 of each year; and speakers. Tibetan writers, intellectuals, and musicians. ‘‘(B) allow the States to establish the clos- Mr. Speaker, I would just say that we As a nation that stands for basic freedoms ing date for the hunting season in accord- are incredibly proud to be, hopefully, of faith and expression, it is imperative that we ance with the Federal framework. passing this legislation tonight with do not remain bystanders in the perpetual ‘‘(2) SPECIAL DUCK HUNTING DAYS FOR such bipartisan support and reminding struggle for justice and human rights. YOUTHS, VETERANS, AND ACTIVE MILITARY PER- the world that the United States This bill is created for the benefit of not only SONNEL.— ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding the stands for human rights. We stand for U.S. officials and workers in human rights who have no access into Tibet, but also Tibetans closing date under paragraph (1) and subject the human rights of Tibetans, and I to subparagraphs (B) and (C), the Secretary thank my colleagues on the other side living in oppression and in exile who des- shall allow States to select 2 days for youths for their work on this. perately hope every day for a breath of free- and 2 days for veterans (as defined in section Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance dom in the Chinese security apparatus. 101 of title 38, United States Code), and mem- of my time. For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to bers of the Armed Forces on active duty, in- Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I stand with me in the support of H.R. 1872. cluding members of the National Guard and thank the minority leader for her com- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Reserves on active duty (other than for ments on this issue and strong bipar- question is on the motion offered by training), to hunt ducks, mergansers, and coots. Such days shall be treated as an addi- tisan support for human rights, not the gentleman from Florida (Mr. RUTH- tion to the regular hunting season lengths ERFORD) that the House suspend the only in Tibet but all over the globe. selected by the States. Really, this is a great moment, I think, rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1872, as ‘‘(B) REQUIREMENTS.—In selecting days for this body. amended. under subparagraph (A), a State shall ensure I will repeat again that it is time The question was taken; and (two- that— that Congress takes a stand with re- thirds being in the affirmative) the ‘‘(i) the days selected—

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