H2048 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 8, 2008 Tiahrt Walsh (NY) Westmoreland Whereas Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns Tibetans and incite ethnic nationalism is ex- Tiberi Walz (MN) Wexler in and around Lhasa were blocked by Chi- acerbating ethnic tensions and is counter- Tierney Wamp Whitfield (KY) nese authorities from staging peaceful dem- productive to resolving the situation; Towns Wasserman Wilson (OH) onstrations on this anniversary date and Tsongas Schultz Whereas the United States Department of Wilson (SC) were met with excessive force by the Chinese State included the People’s Republic of Turner Waters Wittman (VA) authorities; China among the group of countries de- Udall (NM) Watson Wolf Whereas protests by Tibetans spread inside Upton Watt Wu scribed as ‘‘the most systematic violators of Van Hollen Waxman Wynn the Tibet Autonomous Region and other Ti- human rights’’ in the introduction of the 2006 Vela´ zquez Weiner Yarmuth betan areas of China; Country Reports on Human Rights Practices Visclosky Welch (VT) Young (AK) Whereas the accumulated grievances of al- and in previous Human Rights Reports, but Walberg Weldon (FL) most six decades of cultural, religious, eco- Walden (OR) Weller Young (FL) did not do so in the 2007 Human Rights Re- nomic, and linguistic repression of the Ti- port, despite no evidence of significant im- NAYS—1 betan people by the Government of the Peo- provements in the human rights situation in Paul ple’s Republic of China has resulted in China in the past year; and resentments which are at the root of the Ti- Whereas it is the policy of the United NOT VOTING—37 betan protests; States ‘‘to support the aspirations of the Ti- Abercrombie Flake Pryce (OH) Whereas resentment of the Chinese Gov- betan people to safeguard their distinct iden- Boucher Gonzalez Radanovich ernment by the Tibetan people has increased tity’’ and ‘‘to support economic develop- Braley (IA) Gordon Renzi sharply since 2005 as a result of Chinese poli- ment, cultural preservation, health care, and Brown, Corrine Granger Rohrabacher cies, laws, and regulations that have reduced education and environmental sustainability Buyer Hall (NY) Rothman economic opportunity for Tibetans and se- for Tibetans inside Tibet’’, in accordance Crenshaw Johnson (GA) Rush Cubin Langevin verely eroded the ability of Tibetans to pre- with the Tibetan Policy Act of 2002 (22 U.S.C. Sali serve their distinctive language, culture, and Diaz-Balart, L. Markey Sires 6901 note): Now, therefore, be it Diaz-Balart, M. McDermott religious identity; Udall (CO) Resolved, That the United States House of Emerson McIntyre Whereas the response by the Chinese Gov- Wilson (NM) Representatives— Engel Mollohan Woolsey ernment to the Tibetan protests was dis- (1) calls on the Government of the People’s Feeney Payne proportionate and extreme, reportedly re- Ferguson Peterson (PA) Republic of China to end its crackdown on sulting in the deaths of hundreds and the de- nonviolent Tibetan protestors and its con- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE tention of thousands of Tibetans; tinuing cultural, religious, economic, and The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Whereas there have been reports that some linguistic repression inside Tibet; the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- Tibetans engaged in rioting that may have (2) calls on the Chinese Government to resulted in the destruction of government begin a results-based dialogue, without pre- ing. and private property, as well as the deaths of conditions, directly with His Holiness the civilians; b 1917 Dalai Lama to address the legitimate griev- Whereas His Holiness the Dalai Lama has ances of the Tibetan people and provide for a So (two-thirds being in the affirma- used his leadership to promote democracy, long-term solution that respects the human tive) the rules were suspended and the freedom, and peace for the Tibetan people rights and dignity of every Tibetan; Senate bill, as amended, was passed. through a negotiated settlement of the Tibet (3) calls on the Chinese Government to The result of the vote was announced issue, based on autonomy within the context allow independent international monitors of China; as above recorded. and journalists, free and unfettered access to Whereas six rounds of dialogue between A motion to reconsider was laid on the Tibet Autonomous Region and all other the table. representatives of the Dalai Lama and Chi- nese officials have not resulted in meaning- Tibetan areas of China for the purpose of f ful progress; monitoring and documenting events sur- Whereas the Chinese Government has rounding the Tibetan protests and to verify ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER that individuals injured receive adequate PRO TEMPORE rebuffed calls by the President of the United States, the United States Congress, and medical care; The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- world leaders to respond positively to the (4) calls on the Chinese Government to im- ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair Dalai Lama’s willingness to be personally in- mediately release all Tibetans who are im- will postpone further proceedings volved in discussions with Chinese leaders on prisoned for nonviolently expressing opposi- the future of Tibet; tion to Chinese Government policies in today on the motion to suspend the Tibet; rules on which a recorded vote or the Whereas the Chinese Government has deni- grated the Dalai Lama, labeling him as ‘‘a (5) calls on the United States Department yeas and nays are ordered, or on which splittist’’ and ‘‘a wolf in monk’s robes’’, of State to publicly issue a statement recon- the vote is objected to under clause 6 of thereby further alienating Tibetans who con- sidering its decision not to include the Peo- rule XX. sider the Dalai Lama their spiritual leader; ple’s Republic of China among the group of Any record vote on the postponed Whereas the Dalai Lama was recognized countries described as ‘‘the world’s most sys- question will be taken tomorrow. for his contribution to world peace when he tematic human rights violators’’ in the in- received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989; troduction of the 2007 Country Reports on f Whereas the United States Congress, in Human Rights Practices; and CALLING ON THE GOVERNMENT recognition of the Dalai Lama’s outstanding (6) calls on the United States Department OF CHINA TO END ITS CRACK- moral and religious leadership and his advo- of State to fully implement the Tibetan Pol- DOWN IN TIBET cacy of nonviolence, awarded him with the icy Act of 2002 (22 U.S.C. 6901 note), including Congressional Gold Medal on October 17, the stipulation that the Secretary of State Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I 2007; ‘‘seek to establish an office in Lhasa, Tibet move to suspend the rules and agree to Whereas the Chinese Government has to monitor political, economic and cultural the resolution (H. Res. 1077) calling on failed to honor its commitment to improve developments in Tibet’’, and also to provide the Government of the People’s Repub- the human rights situation in China as a consular protection and citizen services in lic of China to end its crackdown in condition for Beijing being selected as the emergencies, and further urges that the site for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games; agreement to permit China to open further Tibet and enter into a substantive dia- diplomatic missions in the United States logue with His Holiness the Dalai Whereas the Chinese Government has im- peded the access of international journalists should be contingent upon the establishment Lama to find a negotiated solution to Tibetan areas of China and distorted re- of a United States Government office in that respects the distinctive language, ports of events surrounding the Tibetan pro- Lhasa. culture, religious identity, and funda- tests, thereby violating the commitment it The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- mental freedoms of all Tibetans, and made that ‘‘there will be no restrictions on ant to the rule, the gentleman from media reporting and movement of journal- for other purposes. California (Mr. BERMAN) and the gen- ists up to and including the Olympic The Clerk read the title of the resolu- tlewoman from Florida (Ms. ROS- tion. Games’’; Whereas for many years, the Chinese Gov- LEHTINEN) each will control 20 minutes. The text of the resolution is as fol- The Chair recognizes the gentleman lows: ernment has restricted the ability of foreign journalists and foreign government officials, from California. H. RES. 1077 including United States Government offi- GENERAL LEAVE Whereas March 10, 2008, marked the 49th cials, to freely travel in Tibetan areas of anniversary of a historic uprising against China, thereby curtailing access to informa- Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I ask Chinese rule over the Tibetan people, which tion on the situation in Tibetan areas; unanimous consent that all Members forced His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, to Whereas the Chinese Government’s use of may have 5 legislative days to revise escape into exile in India; propaganda during the protests to demonize and extend their remarks and include

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:58 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\H08AP8.REC H08AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 8, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2049 extraneous material on the resolution the situation in Tibetan areas in China jing responded with an iron fist. In im- under consideration. and ensure that those injured in the plementing a bloody crackdown, Bei- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there protest receive adequate medical treat- jing ignored its past pledge to the objection to the request of the gen- ment. International Olympic Committee to tleman from California? In addition, the resolution urges Bei- improve the human rights situation in There was no objection. jing to hold direct and results-based China prior to this summer’s Olympics. Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise discussions with the Dalai Lama in Chinese authorities even denied foreign in strong support of this resolution and order to come to a resolution of the Ti- diplomats and journalists all access to yield myself such time as I may con- betan issue, one that respects Chinese Tibet. sume. territorial integrity and sovereignty, With increasing numbers of Amer- Madam Speaker, I would first like to but at the same time provides genuine ican tourists traveling to Tibet every thank our Speaker, NANCY PELOSI, for religious and cultural autonomy for Ti- year, the United States has a legiti- introducing this important resolution. betans. mate interest in having diplomatic ac- Speaker PELOSI’s commitment to The resolution instructs the Depart- cess to Tibet for consular services. But human rights generally, and Tibetan ment of State to reconsider its decision there should be no further openings of human rights specifically, is deep, well not to include China among the coun- more Chinese consulates in the United established, and unwavering. tries with the worst human rights States until China stops its repression For two decades in Congress, from records in the Department’s 2007 of religious and ethnic minorities and her earlier stage as a junior Member to Human Rights Report. stops violating the fundamental human her current position as Speaker, she Madam Speaker, at this point, once rights of its own citizens. has used her powerful voice to speak on again, I would like to thank Speaker The crackdown continued until April behalf of the Tibetan people. The bipar- PELOSI for introducing this important 3, when Chinese troops fired into a tisan delegation that she recently led resolution, which I strongly support, peaceful crowd of demonstrators out- to Dharmsala to meet with the Dalai and ask my colleagues to do the same. side a Tibetan temple in southwest Lama and her authorship of this reso- Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- China. The crowd had been protesting lution demonstrate her continuing ance of my time. the arrest of two monks who were dedication on the Tibetan issue. I am, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- found in possession of photographs of and all of us in this body should be, er, I yield myself such time as I may the Dalai Lama. Eight were killed, in- grateful for her leadership. consume. cluding members of the Buddhist cler- China’s response to Tibetan protests Madam Speaker, I rise in strong and gy. over the last month has been tragically enthusiastic support of this resolution But the Chinese regime has not only predictable. For half a century, the Ti- which forcefully criticizes the current been responsible for shedding innocent betan people have struggled under the bloody crackdown that is taking place Tibetan blood, in Darfur, in Burma, in repressive policies of the Chinese au- in Tibet. This resolution also condemns North Korea, and inside China itself, thorities. And sadly, the current crack- Beijing’s almost six decades of suppres- bloody repression continues unabated. down is only the most recent example sion of the religious, linguistic, eco- b 1930 of Beijing’s mistreatment of Tibetans. nomic, and cultural rights of the peo- This lack of liberty will further di- As the world watched events unfold ple of Tibet. inside China, we were sickened not It was my great honor, Madam minish the light of the Olympic torch. only by the shock of seeing images of Speaker, to sponsor legislation which The progression of that torch from Chinese authorities beating Tibetans in resulted in the awarding of the Con- London and Paris to San Francisco has the street, but also by the realization gressional Gold Medal, the highest become a focal point for those who that these are images that we have honor that we can bestow in the United would raise their voices concerning the seen before, and fear we may see again. States Congress, to His Holiness, the immense human rights abuses of the It was this legacy of repression that Dalai Lama, last October. My late Chinese regime. What has begun in Tibet will not caused Tibetan monks to take to the friend and colleague from across the stay in Tibet. Already there are reports streets on March 10th to peacefully aisle, Congressman Tom Lantos, and I of unrest among the Uyghur minority protest Beijing’s ongoing denial of reli- worked together to ensure that His Ho- as well. Beijing’s continued repression gious, cultural, and human rights for liness received the official recognition and denial of human rights will become the Tibetan people. And sadly, it was that he so richly deserves. the chief focal point of international the same legacy that caused Beijing to The Dalai Lama, who is also a Nobel attention in the summer of the Beijing respond with excessive force and a Peace Prize recipient, has won the ad- Olympics. And, Madam Speaker, if the propaganda campaign designed to miration of all of us, not only for his present repression continues, the Bei- stoke Chinese nationalism by demoniz- spiritual guidance, but also for his jing games will indeed become the ing Tibetans and their spiritual leader, principled stand upholding the human ‘‘Genocide Olympics.’’ His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. rights of the captive people of Tibet. I urge all of my colleagues to join in If China wishes to be viewed by the Beijing’s cynical and crass campaign vigorous approval and support for this world as a truly responsible power, it to denigrate His Holiness both inside resolution. must put an immediate end to its and outside of Tibet has drawn the With that, Madam Speaker, I reserve shortsighted policies towards Tibet anger of both the Dalai Lama’s fol- the balance of my time, and I ask which are morally reprehensible, irre- lowers, as well as people of good will unanimous consent that my good sponsible and dangerous. throughout the globe. Beijing has friend the gentleman from New Jersey Beijing cannot credibly claim that is called His Holiness ‘‘a splittist’’ and ‘‘a (Mr. SMITH) be allowed to manage the seeks genuine reconciliation with the wolf in monk’s clothing.’’ The Chinese remainder of our time. Tibetan people when its policies force Embassy even recently sent out a com- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Buddhist monks to denounce their alle- puter link to offices here on Capitol objection to the request of the gentle- giance to the Dalai Lama, deny edu- Hill ludicrously comparing His Holi- woman from Florida? cational and economic opportunities to ness to Nazis. There was no objection. Tibetans, and threaten Tibetan culture The people of Tibet can no longer si- Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I am by encouraging an overwhelming influx lently bear these continued insults di- very pleased to yield 2 minutes of time of Han Chinese migrants into Tibetan rected at their spiritual leader, a man to a member of the committee, the areas. This resolution not only con- respected as an advocate of peace, of gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. JACK- demns Beijing’s crackdown on Tibetan compassion, and good will. A boiling SON-LEE). protesters, it also urges China to begin point was reached on March 10th, the (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked to move away from its policy of repres- anniversary of the 1959 uprising in and was given permission to revise and sion and incitement of ethnic tensions. Tibet and subsequent flight of the extend her remarks.) The resolution calls on Beijing to Dalai Lama into exile in India. When Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Let me allow international monitors to assess demonstrators broke out in Lhasa, Bei- thank the distinguished chairman and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:58 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\H08AP8.REC H08AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H2050 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 8, 2008 as well the ranking member of the full Chinese government regarding Tibetan dis- Republic of China. For his efforts on behalf of committee, to the Speaker of the sent. As we approach the 2008 Olympics that humanity, the Dalai Lama was awarded the House for her continued leadership. will be held in China, it is imperative that we Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. Most recently in And I am always reminded of the late look into the reports of violations of basic 2006, I lent my support to S. Res. 2784, Chairman Tom Lantos and his commit- human rights by the Chinese government. awarding the Congressional Gold Medal, the ment to the people of Tibet. On March 4th, Tibetan monks began peace- highest expression of national appreciation for Madam Speaker, I’ve had the honor ful protests in the Tibetan capitol, Lhasa, exceptional service, to the Dalai Lama, Tenzin and privilege of being with the people which escalated into violence resulting in a Gyatso. I appreciate his efforts to promote of Tibet in their temples, listening to staunch crackdown by the Chinese govern- peace and non-violence throughout the globe, their plea, walking alongside of them, ment, the effects of which have yet to be seen and his efforts to find democratic reconciliation admiring and respecting their tenacity, as international media has been strictly re- for the Tibetan people through his ‘‘Middle determination, and their love of free- stricted in the area. What began as a peaceful Way’’ approach. I am grateful for the extensive dom and peace. As well, the Dalai protest for religious freedom and autonomy work that the Dalai Lama has done for his Lama has visited not only this commu- has resulted in Beijing admittedly sending country and on behalf of humanity. nity but also the State of Texas, and thousands of paramilitary troops and police to Congress has taken a particular interest in we have had the pleasure of seeing him the region in order to maintain ‘‘peace and the affairs of Tibet. Beginning in 1987, Con- be a guiding force for peace. stability.’’ gress passed non-binding measures declaring It is time now for this resolution and March 14, 2008 marked the 49th anniver- that the United States should make Tibet’s sit- the call that it makes for the People’s sary of the Tibetan people’s historic uprising uation a higher policy priority and urged China Republic to shine the light on Tibet against the Chinese government that forced to establish a constructive dialogue with the and give them the rights of engage- His Holiness the Dalai Lama into exile in India, Dalai Lama. ment and discussion because what we where he still resides. When Tibetan Buddhist As a Member of Congress, I am interested are facing are accumulated grievances monks and nuns attempted to assemble in in the welfare and human rights affairs of the of almost six decades of cultural, reli- peaceful demonstration on this anniversary, Tibetan people and have previously proposed gious, economic, and linguistic repres- they were met with excessive force by Chi- an amendment to provide $2 million in the sion of the Tibetan people by the Gov- nese authorities. Last month’s riots in the Ti- Economic Support Fund for monitoring the ernment of the People’s Republic of betan capitol of Lhasa have once again drawn human rights situation in Tibet and for training China. It has resulted in these international interest to the plight of the Ti- and education of Tibetans in democracy activi- resentments, and it has resulted in this betan people in their struggle for autonomy ties and an additional $2 million in the Emer- oppression in the expression of the Ti- and religious freedom. The Chinese govern- gency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund betan people. ment has reported that more than 1,000 peo- for the Tibetan refugee program. As this Olympic torch travels around ple have been captured or turned themselves Madam Speaker, I am a staunch advocate the world, you will see the people who in, in relation to their participation in said riots. for human rights and desire to see the plight are peace loving and loving human Last week, Amnesty International released a of the Tibetan people rectified. As such, I rights standing up. As it comes to my report stating that despite claims that hosting strongly support H. Res. 1077 and call upon city, as it goes to other cities, there the Olympics will lead to Chinese observance my colleagues to join me in supporting this im- will be those of us who stand against of international human rights law, the ap- portant legislation. it. In fact, we have called upon the Chi- proach of this historic event has actually lead Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam nese Ambassador to wake up and to to a crackdown of dissent on the part of the Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gen- recognize that the world is crying out Chinese government. Just one day after the tleman from Wisconsin (Mr. SENSEN- for justice for the Tibetan people. release of Amnesty International’s report, Hu BRENNER), the coauthor of this resolu- The resolution calls on this par- Jia, a Chinese activist who has publicized tion who recently returned from ticular government, the Chinese Gov- human rights abuses across China, was sen- Dharamsala, where he met with the ernment, to begin a dialogue with the tenced to three and a half years in prison for Dalai Lama. Dalai Lama, to bring about respect, to ‘‘inciting subversion of state power and the so- Mr. SENSENBRENNER. I thank the allow international monitors and jour- cialist system.’’ gentleman for yielding. nalists. I truly believe it is time now I wish to discuss briefly the importance of Madam Speaker, I rise in support of for the world to stand up. the relationship between the United States, this resolution and in solidarity with And so to my colleagues, it is impor- China and Tibet and highlight some important the Tibetan people in this trying time. tant that this resolution be passed. I legislation that I have supported to provide as- The recent events in Tibet have cap- believe we should be in front of the sistance to the human rights situation in Tibet. tured the attention of this body and Chinese Embassy here in Washington, As we are well aware, controversy exists over the American people. We as Americans D.C., petitioning that government to Tibet’s current political status as a part of are both saddened and outraged by the hear the cry of the Tibetan people, to China. This precarious relationship between Chinese Government’s crackdown on respect the Dalai Lama, and to bring China and Tibet has prompted U.S. congres- peaceful protests in Tibet. finally peace and freedom and, yes, de- sional actions in support of Tibet’s status and This body must be clear in its sup- mocracy to a peace-loving people. The traditions. port of fundamental human rights. Ti- oppressors cannot oppress the op- Tibet has been under active Beijing rule betans deserve the right to preserve pressed forever, and we stand against since between 1949–1951, when the newly their culture, heritage, language, and it. This resolution speaks to a resolu- established communist government of the religion. tion. We ask for the agreement. People’s Republic of China, PRC, sent military The Chinese Government has argued Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam troops to occupy Tibet. It was some years that this crackdown was in response to Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. later, in 1959, that the Dalai Lama, who is still violent protest by the Tibetan people. Res. 1077, Calling on the Government of the respected and regarded as the spiritual leader However, the government dismissed People’s Republic of China to end its crack- of the Tibetan people, along with his followers, outside journalists from the region and down in Tibet and enter into a substantive dia- fled from Tibet and went into exile in India. has restricted their ability to accu- logue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama to find As reports of human rights abuses and polit- rately report on the situation. Mean- a negotiated solution that represents the dis- ical activities surfaced regarding China’s con- while, Americans traveling in China in tinctive language, culture, religious identity, tinuing repressive social and political controls recent weeks have revealed that their and fundamental freedoms of all Tibetans, and in Tibet, it garnered more interest and con- televisions went black when the inter- for other purposes, introduced by my distin- gressional consideration in the late 1980s. national media reported on Tibet. guished colleague from California, Represent- Tenzin Gyatso, the fourteenth Dalai Lama, is This restriction of freedom is con- ative NANCY PELOSI. This important and timely the unrivaled spiritual and cultural leader of sistent with China’s historically abys- legislation calls for an imperative dialogue the Tibetan people. The Dalai Lama has used mal human rights record. While it which will set forth the road to peace and sta- his leadership to promote democracy, free- would be simpler to believe that the bility. dom, and peace for the Tibetan people Chinese Government’s assertion that In recent days, the news has been littered through a negotiated settlement of the Tibet its crackdown was a just response to with reports of human rights abuses by the issue, based on autonomy within the People’s violent protest, the very fact that

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:58 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\H08AP8.REC H08AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 8, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2051 China has gone to such great lengths to support for the genocidal regime in Protest activity has included in- control the flow of information on the Sudan run contrary to that Olympic stances of rioting resulting in destruc- protests makes such an assertion a spirit. tion of property and death of Tibetans great stretch of credulity. Madam Speaker, China must play by and non-Tibetans alike. This is unac- I had the honor of meeting with Ti- the rules when it comes to human ceptable in any context. But most pro- bet’s spiritual leader and historic head rights and to genocide. Now is the time test activity, while at times disorderly, of state, the Dalai Lama, last month to begin this dialogue with His Holi- has been nonviolent. The Chinese Gov- shortly after the protests began. His ness the Dalai Lama. There are legiti- ernment’s reaction, however, has re- Holiness made very clear his opposition mate grievances of the Tibetan people vealed a level of hostility towards Ti- to the acts of violence taking place in which must be addressed, and who bet- betans not seen in decades and has Tibet. Since his exile 49 years ago, the ter to have this dialogue with than His heightened fears for the Tibetan peo- Dalai Lama has consistently advocated Holiness the Dalai Lama? ple. for a peaceful resolution to the tension I want to thank the Speaker for real- The Chinese Government would do between Tibet and China. If there is to ly carrying the torch for freedom and well to consider a number of concrete be a real solution to the problem, the human rights and dignity of the Ti- steps to address the current crisis, and Chinese Government must engage in betan people. This resolution heeds the I would ask, Madam Speaker, that a dialogue with the Dalai Lama with the call of the international community list of such steps prepared by the staff intention of finding a lasting resolu- and puts this body on the right side of of the Congressional-Executive Com- tion for both parties. history. mission on China be submitted for the In the coming months, China will Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam RECORD. open its doors to the world and show Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distin- ADDENDUM TO FLOOR STATEMENT OF REP- its best face. We’ve heard a lot in this guished gentleman from Connecticut RESENTATIVE SANDER LEVIN, CHAIRMAN, country recently about transparency, (Mr. SHAYS). CONGRESSIONAL-EXECUTIVE COMMISSION ON Mr. SHAYS. I thank the gentleman CHINA and this body responded by imple- for yielding. ADDRESSING TIBETAN PROTESTS menting greater transparency in our Madam Speaker, I rise in support of government. Now is the time for China 1. Distinguish between peaceful protestors H. Res. 1077, introduced by our Speak- and rioters, honor the Chinese Constitution’s to take responsibility for its actions er, NANCY PELOSI, calling on the Gov- reference to the freedoms of speech and asso- and implement heightened trans- ernment of China to end its crackdown ciation, and do not treat peaceful protest as parency to the world community on in Tibet and to enter into a substantive a crime; 2. Provide a detailed account of Tibetan the situation in Tibet and on the con- dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai duct of its own government. protest activity in each location where such Lama. activity took place; The stage is set for China to dem- The recent violence in Tibet, which onstrate a newfound commitment to 3. Provide details about each person de- was triggered by the Buddhist monks tained or charged with a crime, including human rights and peace. This institu- asking for religious freedoms, should each person’s name, the charges (if any) tion and the world are watching ex- be a great concern to everyone con- against each person, the name and location pectantly. Let us hope that the Chinese cerned about human rights. China of the prosecuting office (‘‘procuratorate’’) Government receives the message loud needs to end the violence and engage in and court handling each case, and the name and clear that all pressures remain on of each facility where a person is detained or open and honest dialogue with the imprisoned; the table in protecting the rights of the Dalai Lama to achieve peace and rec- Tibetan people. 4. Allow access by diplomats and other onciliation. China must come to realize international observers to the trials of peo- Madam Speaker, the Tibetan people that Tibetans deserve more autonomy ple charged with protest-related crimes; have waited 49 years for their freedom. and the world community will not be 5. Allow international observers and jour- Their patience is wearing thin. If China silent until they achieve it. nalists immediate and unfettered access to wishes to be considered an equal among As a member of the Congressional Tibetan areas of China; the leaders of the world, it must act 6. Ensure that security officials fulfill Human Rights Caucus, I am very con- their obligations under Articles 64(2) and like one by standing for basic human cerned about human rights in China rights in Tibet. 71(2) of China’s Criminal Procedure Law to but in particular the political and reli- inform relatives and work places (mon- Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I am gious freedoms of Tibetans. I urge the asteries in the case of monks) where detain- pleased to yield 2 minutes to a member resolution’s adoption and appreciate ees are being held; of our committee, a stalwart fighter this resolution coming to the floor. 7. Encourage and facilitate the filing of for human rights, the gentlewoman Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, I would compensation suits under Chinese law in from California (Ms. LEE). like to yield 2 minutes to the gen- cases of alleged wrongful arrest, detention, punishment and other official abuses during Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, first of tleman from Michigan (Mr. LEVIN). all, let me thank our Speaker for her the recent protests; (Mr. LEVIN asked and was given per- 8. Permit international observers to mon- unyielding stand regarding China’s mission to revise and extend his re- itor closely the implementation of China’s human rights record in Tibet and its marks.) new Regulation on Open Government Infor- association with the genocidal govern- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without mation, which comes into force on May 1, ment of the Sudan. objection, the gentlewoman from Cali- 2008, with special emphasis on implementa- This resolution calls on China to end fornia will control the time. tion in Tibetan areas. its crackdown on nonviolent protestors There was no objection. 9. Strictly enforce the Regulations on Re- in Tibet and to talk with His Holiness Mr. LEVIN. Madam Speaker, I rise in porting Activities in China by Foreign Jour- nalists During the Beijing Olympic Games the Dalai Lama to address the very le- strong support of the resolution. and the Preparatory Period, with special em- gitimate grievances of the Tibetan peo- China has a law that includes protec- phasis on access to and in Tibetan areas of ple. It sends a clear message to China tions for the distinctive culture, lan- China. that the United States does not con- guage, and identity of ethnic minority 10. Commence direct talks between the done violence and repression against citizens. Its Regional Ethnic Auton- Chinese government and the Dalai Lama. the Tibetan people. omy Law guarantees ethnic minorities The commission monitors and re- This resolution is also timely as the the ‘‘right to administer their internal ports on human rights and rule of law Olympic torch will make its only stop affairs.’’ More specifically, the term developments in China on an ongoing in North America tomorrow when it ‘‘regional ethnic autonomy’’ reflects basis, and I encourage all to visit the comes to the Speaker’s district in San ‘‘the state’s full respect for . . . ethnic commission’s Web site, www.cecc.gov, Francisco, California, right across the minorities’ rights to administer their to subscribe to the online newsletter bay from my home district. internal affairs.’’ Madam Speaker, and to use the commission’s work to As host of the Olympic games, China China in recent weeks has reflected remain up to date on developments in is facing calls to live up to the Olympic anything but ‘‘the state’s full respect’’ China. spirit of peace and brotherhood and sis- of ethnic minority rights nor of basic The resolution of Tibetan grievances terhood that the torch represents. Chi- human rights recognized in both Chi- can only occur with direct talks be- na’s actions in Tibet and its ongoing nese and international law. tween the Chinese Government and the

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And throughout tant role in the international commu- gation was moved to see and hear the the history of the Cold War, their ex- nity, other countries will appropriately pleadings of Tibetans of all ages who ample was emulated by others, includ- assess China’s fulfillment of the com- have braved Himalayan crossings to es- ing the Czechs in 1968, and of course mitments it has made in both Chinese cape oppression, some weeks ago, some the Poles, and that eventually brought and international law, including legal years ago. And the Dalai Lama gives down the Soviet Union. and constitutional commitments to them hope and calls on the world not Today, what may appear a resolution ethnic minorities. to forget those who have fled and those of the moment for a specific incident is Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam who are left in Tibet. And we, too, not that. It is our generation’s Buda- Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gen- should give them hope. pest. It is this generation of Americans tleman from Texas, an esteemed mem- I have in my office a crayon-drawn who get to witness the Tibetans trying ber of the Committee on Foreign Af- Tibetan flag given to me during our to breathe free from beneath the Com- fairs (Mr. POE). delegation’s visit to the Tibetan Chil- munist yoke of the Chinese regime. Mr. POE. I thank the gentleman for dren’s Village, and I keep this flag in And as we Republicans and Democrats yielding time. my office because it reminds me of the stand together today, we stand with Madam Speaker, Tibet is being de- human toll of the situation. Children them, and we send a clarion message to nied the basic human rights of freedom and adults flee the villages of Tibet and the Communist Chinese Government. of speech, freedom of religion, and the cross the highest range of mountains in They will be free. And as the Olympic freedom to seek grievances against its the world to reach the promise of a life torch goes from town to town and you own government. where they can preserve their culture see people gathering together of all po- China, the bully of Asia, literally is and have freedom. The journey is litical persuasions and all walks of life beating up on the small religious Ti- treacherous, but children try to escape to protest the abominable suppression betan community. China puts down the oppression in Tibet. of the Tibetans, let us remember that dissent by the use of the bloody club I am pleased that all the members of we here have come together to make and the firearm. And China suppresses this important trip joined the Speaker sure that the torch of Lady Liberty the world press that tries to report on in introducing this resolution. Both still shines bright as a beacon of hope what they are doing by issuing scripted Democrats and Republicans agree that for all the world. Ms. LEE. I yield 2 minutes to the propaganda papers about these peaceful the Chinese Government needs to end gentlewoman from California, a mem- Tibetan people, propaganda that we the violent crackdown on nonviolent ber of the Committee on Energy and have not seen since Hitler’s Nazi Ger- Tibetan protesters. Furthermore, it is Commerce, Congresswoman HILDA many. long past time for the Chinese Govern- ment to begin, without preconditions, SOLIS. China’s ugly personality of brutality Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, I rise a dialogue with His Holiness, the Dalai and oppression is now being seen by all this evening in strong support of House Lama, and ensure that human rights of the world. And as China tries to Resolution 1077. carry the Olympic torch throughout and dignity of all Tibetans are pro- At the end of March, I traveled to the world, the flame of the torch is set- tected, to address the legitimate griev- India with Speaker NANCY PELOSI and a ting peoples in this world on fire in ances of the Tibetan people, to safe- congressional delegation and met with support of the people of Tibet. guard the people and their distinctive the leader of Tibet, His Holiness, the identity, to support economic develop- b 1945 Dalai Lama. We met young Tibetan ment, cultural preservation, health children in India and saw hope in their So China must cease its oppression of care, education and environmental sus- eyes for a better future. We were greet- its own people or face international re- tainability. ed by many thousands and thousands of buke and international condemnation, This important resolution reminds Tibetans along the road as we traveled including condemnation by this body. the world and China of our commit- up the mountain where they lived. Yet I support the people of Tibet, and I ment to the people of Tibet. we heard stories of violence and tor- urge passage of this resolution. And I Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam ture inflicted by the Chinese Govern- want to thank the chairman for bring- Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the dis- ment on the Tibetan people and pro- ing this resolution so quickly to the tinguished gentleman from Michigan testers. We learned of recent Chinese House floor. (Mr. MCCOTTER). policies and laws that have limited the Ms. LEE. I yield 21⁄2 minutes to the Mr. MCCOTTER. Madam Speaker, we economic opportunities for Tibetans in gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. HOLT) stand at a historic moment. In the China and severely endangered the Ti- who is a member of the Permanent Se- stream of history, it is oftentimes betan culture, religion and their lan- lect Committee on Intelligence. overlooked as we circumnavigate guage, in fact, their whole being. Mr. HOLT. Madam Speaker, I thank around time, fate and circumstance the Tibetans have fled to India to be able the gentlelady for yielding. momentous era and the momentous to practice their religion in peace and I am pleased to join the Speaker of deeds which must be undertaken. This preserve their culture with dignity and the House today as an original cospon- is one of them. respect. The Dalai Lama spoke to us sor of this important legislation to ad- I thank the Speaker for bringing this about his desire for peace and his long- dress the rights of the people of Tibet. resolution. I thank her for bringing ing to live autonomously, not inde- Across the globe, people are speaking with it the moral weight of her opposi- pendent of, but autonomously in China out in support of the people of Tibet. tion to Communist China’s abysmal so that Tibetans could practice their And today, Congress is making a human rights record throughout her religion openly. strong statement. And no one outside career in this Congress, and for uniting I, too, share his desire. House Resolu- Tibet has been more clear and more el- Republicans and Democrats behind it. tion 1077 calls on China to end its re- oquent than the Speaker of the House. But at this moment, I am also re- pression inside Tibet, release prisoners I recently had the honor to join the minded of someone who is no longer who participated in nonviolent protest, Speaker as a member of a congres- with us, someone from whom I learned and to begin a dialogue, a true dialogue sional delegation to India. We were very much. That man is the late Chair- with the Dalai Lama to find a solution with the spiritual leader, the Dalai man Tom Lantos, a man who embodied for Tibet that respects human rights. Lama, and we saw and heard thousands the human spirit in its ability to tri- The resolution calls for access for jour- of Tibetan refugees cheering America, umph over evil. How many people in nalists so that the world can see, hear I’m pleased to say, but pleading and this Congress understood the moment and view the situation in Tibet. pleading with us not to forget Tibet. when the tanks rolled into Budapest The Tibetan people are at a critical Tibet has been under the heavy hand and the Soviets went into Hungary, point in their movement to live peace- of China for almost five decades, and that that was a seminal moment in the fully and autonomously. We must

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We don’t have any with hearts open to us with flags both this time, may I ask unanimous con- idea how many have been wounded, representing the U.S. Government and sent that we be granted an additional how many are right now lying, wound- the Tibetan people. 10 minutes, 5 minutes for the majority, ed or dying, in attics and cellars, be- I stand here, Members, strongly sup- 5 minutes for the minority, on the time cause they know that if they go to the portive of House Resolution 1077 and already allotted for this resolution de- hospital, they will simply disappear ask you to join with us and the Speak- bate. into the Chinese Laogai. er of the House for its swift passage. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there The Chinese Government has been The SPEAKER pro tempore. Again, objection to the request of the gen- subjecting Tibetans to mass arrests. without objection, the gentleman from tleman from California? They have searched whole sections of California regains control of the time. There was no objection. Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I am cities, house by house. Chinese officials There was no objection. admit to nearly 2,000 arrests. The Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, may pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gen- tleman from Wisconsin, Mr. STEVE China Commission estimates that I inquire how much time is remaining there are at least 1,000 more. Frankly, on both sides. KAGEN. Mr. KAGEN. Madam Speaker, what I wonder if there might be thousands The SPEAKER pro tempore. There kind of nation would we be if we more, since there are large areas of are 51⁄2 minutes remaining for the gen- wouldn’t stand up to speak out in favor Tibet from which nothing has been tleman from California. There are 61⁄2 of liberty everywhere in the world? heard in weeks, where phone lines and minutes remaining for the gentleman It was on January 6, 1941, right here cell towers and e-mail have been sim- from New Jersey. in this chamber that President Frank- ply turned off. Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I am lin Delano Roosevelt enunciated and Many thousands of monks are now pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gen- outlined for us the four essential being held under house arrest or in tleman from Washington (Mr. INSLEE). human freedoms, freedoms that this lockdown. Chinese riot police have sur- Mr. INSLEE. Madam Speaker, due to Nation fought several world wars for rounded some Buddhist monasteries the leadership of NANCY PELOSI, we and won. Freedom of speech every- and are letting no one get in and no were able to experience a profound and where in the world, freedom from fear, one get out. Many have been tortured. moving time in Dharamsala, India, 2 freedom from want, and freedom to I would remind my colleagues that we weeks ago, and it was profound for two worship God everywhere in the world. are seeing now, in a massive way, what reasons. One, when you talk to a Bud- The people of Tibet tonight must has been ongoing and pervasive for dec- dhist monk who has walked for 5 days hear that we, the people of these ades. through the Himalayan mountains to United States, are on their side. And I chaired a hearing in 1995, Madam escape suppression and obtain some we encourage the current leadership of Speaker. We heard from six survivors modicum of religious liberty, it would China to support these four essential of the Laogai. One of those was Palden move the hardest of hearts. And we human freedoms everywhere in the Gyatso, a Tibetan monk who spent 24 talked to monks who had that experi- world. years in prison. When we invited him ence, monks who couldn’t even show a Madam Speaker, very shortly, there to come and speak, he brought with little medallion with a picture of the will be some Olympic games held in him some instruments of torture that Dalai Lama on their chest without China, Olympic games and Olympic are routinely employed and used in a having to go to jail in Tibet under the spirit, based upon fair competition, fair horrific manner against men and control of the Chinese Government. It and open competition on a level play- women in the Chinese concentration was profound in that sense, but it was ing field. Isn’t it time, we might also camps. He told us that many people die profound in meeting the Dalai Lama, ask, that China begins to compete with of starvation. But when he brought as well, a person of great humor, great us on a fair and level playing field, and those instruments, he couldn’t even get grace, great courage and great non- in particular with regard to Paper Val- past our Capitol Police. They stopped violence. And he has asked for an in- ley in which I live in Wisconsin, isn’t it him. We had to come down and get him vestigation of what has gone on in time that they stopped dumping illegal through. Tibet, to quash what the Chinese Gov- paper into our domestic marketplaces? Then, when he held up those batons Madam Speaker, I rise in strong sup- ernment has been saying about him, that are used in the mouth and else- port of this resolution because we must saying that he has instigated this vio- where in order to provide electric support these four essential human lence. Anyone who makes that claim shocks, he actually broke down. He freedoms everywhere in the world. couldn’t distinguish between Mahatma Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam held it up and he said, ‘‘This is what Gandhi and Che Guevara. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I went into my mouth as a Buddhist And I take great umbrage at this as- may consume. monk and into the mouths of many sertion that somehow he has been the First of all, I want to thank Speaker other people to shock and to deface,’’ reason for violence. His position has PELOSI for introducing this very impor- and he has trouble swallowing to this been reasonable. He has asked for a tant resolution of which I am very day. dialogue with the Chinese Government. proud to be one of the cosponsors, and He talked about these self-tightening He has asked for an investigation to especially for the trip, along with other handcuffs, and held up his wrists and what happened in Tibet. He has not Members of the House, that you led to showed us the marks on his body, not called for a boycott of the Olympics, an India to be at the side of His Holiness, just on his wrists, but elsewhere. He extremely reasonable position given the Dalai Lama, in this hour of terrible talked about piercing with bayonets. what his people have undergone. suffering for the Tibetan people. And this is routine. I would encourage His aspirations for China I think Madam Speaker, tonight we are here Members to realize what goes on each should be the world’s, that as China to speak frankly about what the Chi- and every day, but now in a more pro- grows into a great economic power, let nese Government is doing in Tibet. nounced way, in a more massive way, it seek to be a great power in the sense Last week, Lodi Gyari, His Holiness’ against the people of Tibet, through of morality and humanity. My district Special Envoy, told me and others on the use of torture. has a growing relationship with China the Congressional Human Rights Cau- The Chinese Government, Madam selling jets, software and agricultural cus that Tibet has ‘‘become, particu- Speaker, what they are doing right products. And we like to see the eco- larly in the last few weeks, in every now is exactly what happened in some nomic potential of China. But that has sense an occupied nation, brutally oc- of the parts of the world ruled from the to be married, to become a great na- cupied by armed forces.’’ Communists. Who can forget the So- tion, with a commitment to humanity, Madam Speaker, despite the fact that viet invasion of Hungary, which was morality and religious freedom. This is there is an extensive news blackout, still felt on the streets of Budapest in consistent not only with America’s the grim consequences have gotten out. the 1980s, even though that happened

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It Finally, let me just say briefly to my thank him for his leadership on the is the Chinese Government that has colleagues that there are American Foreign Affairs Committee, and Con- provoked the Tibetan people to protest, companies who may be supporting this gresswoman ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN, the a protest that, perhaps because of the tyranny. I am afraid some of them are ranking Republican on the committee, Buddhist emphasis on peace, has been doing that, playing smaller or larger for their leadership in bringing this overwhelmingly peaceful. roles in the crushing of Tibet, working resolution to the floor. It isn’t without As we all know, Tibet has been sub- with the Chinese Internet Surveillance a tear in the eye that we bring this to jected to Chinese Communist tyranny Bureau to block Web sites and blocking the floor and remember our colleague, since 1951. Since 1959, the Chinese Gov- and tracking down Tibetans who send Congressman Tom Lantos, and how im- ernment is responsible for the deaths of Internet reports of arrests and mas- portant this resolution would have hundreds of thousands of Tibetans— sacres. been to him. and that is a low estimate. The current The New York Times has reported Twenty years ago when I was a new number of Tibetans living in China is that the Chinese Government is indeed, Member of Congress, Tom invited some now about 5.4 million people. and not unexpectedly, blocking Web of us to a meeting that I will never for- I think Members should realize too sites to prevent uncensored news from get. It was with His Holiness the Dalai that there has also been—and the Dalai reaching the Chinese people, including Lama. At that time he presented to us Lama speaks about this when he the Web sites of CNN, BBC, YouTube, his proposal for autonomy for Tibet. speaks about his Five Points of En- Google and Yahoo. That is over 20 years ago he has been gagement—this population transfer, The Times has also reported that the preaching autonomy, and it is on that where the entire culture is being re- Chinese Internet Surveillance Bureau basis that we wanted him to have the placed by a Han Chinese culture. They has warned Tibetans about sharing fac- opportunity to have full negotiations are getting very good jobs. The incen- tual news about the protests. They with the Chinese Government. They tive has been given them by the Chi- have said, and I quote them, this is the had said if he doesn’t reject the idea of nese Government, in order to Chinese Bureau, ‘‘We inform Internet independence, that cannot happen. marginalize and decrease the Tibetan users that it is forbidden to post news Well, he rejected independence 20 years people, to make them more of a minor- about Tibet events . . . The Internet ago, much to the dismay of those who ity in their own land. What we are Surveillance Bureau will carry out fil- want independence. talking about here is nothing less than tering and censorship . . . Anyone in- But, in any event, Tom Lantos a planned destruction of a culture that fringing this ban will have their IP ad- opened the door for many of us to meet has now gone to new lows with this re- dresses sent to the police, who will with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. cent crackdown. then take the necessary steps.’’ That Twenty years later, in the Capitol of In fact, the Chinese Government’s at- means, Madam Speaker, arrests; that the United States, under Tom’s leader- titude toward Tibet can be seen in means, Madam Speaker, torture of ship and of that Congresswoman ROS- these two insults by Zhang Qingli, the those who simply try to share the LEHTINEN, we were able to present to Secretary of the Chinese Party of the truth as to what is going on in Tibet. His Holiness the Congressional Gold Tibet Autonomous Region, who offered Who can forget Shi Tao, the jour- Medal, the highest honor that this to the people these words. He said, nalist who got 10 years simply for send- body can bestow. I am proud to say ‘‘The Communist Party is like the par- ing information to an NGO in New that President Bush stood there side- ent to the Tibetan people, and it is al- York about what the Chinese Bureau of by-side with His Holiness presenting ways considerate about what the chil- Propaganda had told them they could our Congressional Gold Medal to him. dren need.’’ We are talking about a not do with regard to the Tiananmen No President before had been so coura- very abusive parent here. He also said, Square massacre? Now it is going on in geous, and I appreciate and am proud ‘‘The Central Party Committee is the Tibet, and the ugly cycle continues. that President Bush did that. real Buddha for Tibetans.’’ What a sac- As I think Members know, the Global Following that, we talked about tak- rilege! What a sacrilege! What a viola- Online Freedom Act legislation, which ing a trip to India to talk about global tion of fundamental human rights. is pending and hopefully will come to warming, that our Energy Independ- I will say only a couple words about the floor, would finally give us a full ence and Global Warming Task Force, the Olympics, Madam Speaker. The and thorough accounting as to this which Mr. MARKEY and Mr. SENSEN- IOC made a great mistake in allowing complicity, whether it be witting or BRENNER, who spoke so eloquently ear- China to host the Olympics. Who can unwitting, on the part of these Inter- lier, were in the lead on. forget when they were vying for the net companies, so that we are not part When we planned the trip, we had ac- 2000 Olympics and they let Wei of this tyrannical regime that is now cepted His Holiness’ invitation to visit Jingsheng out. Speaker PELOSI knows so brutally suppressing, murdering and him in Dharamsala, without any him very well. I met him in Beijing torturing Tibetan people and putting thought that it would be at a con- when he was let out, very briefly. As so many monks into prison, rather troversial time. As fate would have it, soon as they didn’t get the Olympics, than letting them be in their mon- we made our plans in December and they rearrested him and beat him and asteries, where they want to practice January. When we got there in the tortured him. They finally let him out their faith. middle of March, it was following the because he was close to death. But then Madam Speaker, this is an excellent crackdown in Tibet of the peaceful the IOC awarded the Olympic venue to resolution you have brought to the demonstrators in Lhasa and in other Beijing several years later. floor. I congratulate you. This is bipar- parts of Tibet by the Chinese Govern- They shouldn’t be held in a nation tisanship, I believe, at its best. We are ment. It was stunning really to see the that cracks down on all kinds of polit- all in support of the Dalai Lama. You reaction of the Chinese to the simple ical dissent and has a system of coer- have led on this for so many years, and observance of the 49th anniversary of cion where brothers and sisters are ille- are doing so now as Speaker, and I the Dalai Lama being forced out of gal as part of its one-child-per-couple hope we get very strong support for Tibet by the Chinese. As the monks policy, its forced abortion policy, and this, on behalf of the Tibetan people demonstrated and protested, the Chi- also a country that is responsible for and on behalf of the Dalai Lama. nese government cracked down. killing so many Africans. The most re- Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- While we were there, it was inter- cent is happening in Darfur. This really ance of our time. esting to hear that the Government of is, as my colleague Ms. LEE said ear- Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I am China was saying that His Holiness was lier, the ‘‘genocide Olympics.’’ very pleased to yield 1 minute to the the instigator of violence in China,

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I was reading in the ered here in this Chamber, in my City of nonviolence in the world, a bridge paper the other day as the torch was of San Francisco human rights activ- builder for peace and human under- going through Paris that one of the ists are preparing for the torch to come standing, as we said in our presen- marchers, the carriers of the torch said through our city tomorrow, a city very tation of the Congressional Gold Medal that what was happening with the pro- committed to human rights. I was very to him. testers was very unpleasant. I thought, proud that yesterday they were able to So we thought it must be our fate, it you think that’s unpleasant? Maybe display a ‘‘One World, One Dream: Free must be our karma, that we would be you should be in the sub-human condi- Tibet’’ banner across the Golden Gate in Dharamsala at that time. As was in- tions that the refugees are in Darfur. If Bridge. It’s just frightening to think of dicated by some of our colleagues, Mr. you think that’s unpleasant, maybe how they were able to accomplish it, INSLEE mentioned that some monks you should be in a prison in Tibet for but they got their message across with, had traveled for 5 days over Himalayas your faith and His Holiness, the Dalai probably in my view, the most beau- to Dharamsala to tell us about the Lama. tiful backdrop in the world for all the treatment they had received. You think that’s unpleasant? Maybe world to see. Some of the people we met with, Mr. you could still be in prison from the Tomorrow, as the torch goes through SMITH, had been in prison for many Tiananmen Square massacre. Some the city, people will voice their views years in China. One woman who was in people are still in prison from that on it. But, still tonight, Desmond Tutu her eighties had been in prison for over time. is leading a prayer vigil in San Fran- 25 years. We heard of the torture that Mr. SMITH knows well the fight we cisco in protest of what is happening was exacted upon them as recently as a had at the time because shortly after, with that torch going through. matter of days before we were there. So a couple of years after Tiananmen, we Probably the most insulting of all, the torture that you described that you were still fighting for the release of the though, is that China insists that the heard about in your committee con- prisoners of Tiananmen. We had about torch go through Tibet, that it go to tinues to this day, and we very tear- a $5 billion a year trade deficit. Mount Everest and through Tibet on fully received that information from We thought that that would give us its way back to Beijing. That’s the big- the prisoners. so much leverage with the Chinese gest insult, I think, of all. The world But the point is that in Tibet you are Government that surely if we threat- should not allow that to happen. arrested and repressed for what you be- ened the most-favored nation status, as What’s right about that? lieve; not even for acting upon your be- it was called then, that they would When I was in Dharamsala, I had the liefs, but for what you believe, and that yield and release these prisoners be- privilege of addressing the crowd gath- is something that flies in the face of cause it meant $5 billion a year to ered in the square. I said at the time everything we stand for as a country. them. that the situation in Tibet challenges That is why I was so pleased that the Well, we didn’t win. We didn’t prevail the conscience of the world. Indeed, the President stood there and showed bi- in that situation. situation in Darfur challenges the con- partisan spirit, Democrats and Repub- As I say, it was a Republican Presi- science of the world, two places where licans coming together, as Mr. SMITH dent and a Democratic President. We China can change, make a difference. I mentioned. We have worked on this didn’t get any better policy from either also said that if we, the freedom-loving issue for many years and in a very bi- of them when it came to China. They people throughout the world do not partisan way in terms of China. told us that granting most-favored na- stand up for human rights in China and Another place where China has influ- tion status, they changed the name to Tibet, then we lose all moral authority ence that Mr. SMITH and Mr. WOLF permanent normal trade relations be- to talk about it any other place in the have been leaders has been in the cause it sounded better, would, in fact, world. Sudan. But for the Chinese’s absolute improve the political situation in It is many years of activism on this insistence that they will not sanction China and improve our trade relation- subject, and lots of documentation, the Sudan at the U.N., we could per- ship with China. but, as Mr. SMITH mentioned, we know haps have an improvement in the When these people are saying it’s un- so many of the people firsthand, such human rights situation and the polit- pleasant, I think it’s unpleasant to as Harry Wu, who had been imprisoned. ical situation in the Sudan. think that a $5 billion a year trade def- Why this is important tonight is be- Many of us took a trip, many Mem- icit is now $5 billion a week, $5 billion cause what the Chinese did, the most bers have been there, I led a delegation a week. That is a quarter of a trillion excruciating form of torture that an there with Mr. CLYBURN to Darfur a dollars a year trade deficit with China. oppressor can exact on a political pris- couple of years ago and we saw first- Has it improved our trade relation- oner is to say to him or her nobody hand the genocide that was going on ship? I don’t think so. Has it improved even knows you are here. They don’t there. It was horrible to see. We went the human rights situation in China? I even care about you anymore. Society to several camps. In one camp, 100,000 don’t think so. has passed this issue by. It’s no longer refugees were there. We saw the little Somewhere along the way we lost our important. Your family is out there children. The tiny ones really still had way. We said at the time, some of us, if suffering, you are here forgotten, but some brightness in their eyes. The you choose to ride this tiger that is the world does not remember you. older ones, they had seen too much. China, only China will decide when you Well, we are here tonight to say that In this camp, in the evening when it can get off. China won the Olympics. the world does, a continuation of the would be cool, if the father went out to Some of us supported resolutions in op- work that Mr. SMITH has referenced get firewood, he would be killed. If the position to that, but they won the and others have referenced tonight mother went out, she could be raped. In Olympics. about our calling to the attention of any event, the children could be kid- I don’t support a boycott of the the world the names, the actual names napped. They had been displaced from Olympics. I think our athletes who of people who have been imprisoned for their villages with compliance of the have trained should be able to go there their beliefs, their religious beliefs, Government of Sudan. and compete. I think it should be treat- their political beliefs. This the resolu- ed as a sports event. Any time it tries tion is very simple, and when we vote b 2015 to rise to the occasion of harmony, one on it tomorrow, I hope we have an All we need is strong international world, one dream, a unifying factor, overwhelming vote. leadership to end that situation. China that is where it falls short, because the What it says to the Chinese Govern- stands in the way. When we are talking Chinese cannot on the one hand take ment, as they prepare for the Olympics about Tibet and when we are talking the political upside of the credibility in harmony, ‘‘One World, One Dream: about the Olympics and we are talking given to them at any welcoming cere- Free Tibet,’’ is that they end the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:58 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\H08AP8.REC H08AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H2056 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 8, 2008 crackdown in Tibet, that they enter I think we should, since the Chan- Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Madam Speaker, I rise into substantive dialogue directly with cellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, has today in support of House Resolution 1077, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, that they put that on the table, it should stay calling on the Government of the People’s Re- allow independent monitors, journal- there. Our President should hold back public of China to end its crackdown in Tibet. ists and others into Tibet and they also any decision about going to those open- The resolution also calls for the Chinese Gov- allow medical personnel. As was men- ing ceremonies until he sees what ernment to enter into a substantive dialogue tioned, people who have been beaten by progress could be made, what leverage with His Holiness the Dalai Lama to find a ne- the Chinese cannot receive medical as- we could use to have those negotia- gotiated solution that respects the distinctive sistance and they need that life-saving tions take place so that before too long language, culture, religious identity, and funda- attention. That’s what we are talking and while His Holiness is still in good mental freedoms of all Tibetans. about here. health he can return to Tibet and, in- The Dalai Lama has stated his willingness As for the accusation that that jack- deed, the Tibetan people in their au- to accept cultural autonomy for Tibet under al, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the in- tonomous state of Tibet can be free. the Chinese Constitution. He has also been stigator of violence in Tibet, started I am very proud of this resolution. I willing to negotiate with Beijing and has ad- all of this, His Holiness called for and couldn’t be prouder of all the state- vanced a number of very moderate proposals our delegation in Dharamsala associ- ments that were made this evening regarding Tibet’s future status. The Com- ated ourselves with his call which was with all the passion and interest and munist regime, however, has only met this at- for an independent outside investiga- history that went with it. I think it is tempt at accommodation with stiff opposition, tion as to how that all started. If they a tribute to His Holiness, and I hope and is currently instigating yet another crack- are going to accuse him, then they the vote tomorrow will be unequivocal down in the lead up to the Beijing Olympics. must be prepared to have an investiga- about that. I am certain it will. I also To date, Congress has stood strongly by the tion to prove their point or to be prov- they think that it is a tribute to our Tibetan people as they bravely struggle for en wrong. friend, Tom Lantos, who had been so their rights: When we were there, I just want to faithful to this cause. In 1991, Congress passed a resolution stat- close by saying, because it was very Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank ing that Tibet is an occupied country. moving for us, when we got off the air- you, Mr. SMITH. In September of 2007, Representative plane and we were driving to Mr. BERMAN. Thank you, Madam ROHRABACHER introduced House Resolution Dharamsala for miles and miles and Speaker, for those wonderful worlds, 610, expressing the sense of the House of miles and miles, and when we got to for elevating this Chamber. Representatives that the United States Gov- Dharamsala to the center of town, we Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, in mid-March, ernment should take immediate steps to boy- were greeted by many Tibetans flying the Chinese government conducted a bloody cott the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing in American flags. We take the pledge in crackdown, grossly violating the human rights August 2008 unless the Chinese regime stops the morning, and any time we see the of the peaceful protestors in Tibet. engaging in serious human rights abuses flag, it is an emotional experience for The protest by the Tibetans touched a nerve against its citizens and stops supporting seri- us. But to see these people who have and rapidly spread beyond the capital city of ous human rights abuses by the Governments had to struggle so much for freedom Lhasa into other areas of Tibet and around the of Sudan, Burma, and North Korea against pay homage to our flag was quite a re- world. The peaceful protest drew a violent and their citizens. I wholeheartedly support and co- markable thing. Here is one sign, which was my par- disproportionate reaction from the Chinese sponsor this measure. ticular favorite. It said, ‘‘Thank you government who sought to tamp down the Ti- Congressman DANA ROHRABACHER and I re- for everything you have done for us so betan desire for autonomy and self-determina- cently formed the Tibet Caucus and already far.’’ But all the American flags, the tion. Not only did the Chinese government have 8 new members. Tibetans flags, and, just again, it was a react with terrible force upon the protesters, Congress awarded the Dalai Lama the Con- forest of flags there. the authorities also tried to discredit the Dalai gressional Gold Medal. Mr. HOLT referenced the children, Lama and his movement for a free Tibet. We cannot stand silently by and watch as when we went to the children’s school, The Dalai Lama is as determined and com- another wave of brutality and oppression thousands of adorable children, many mitted to nonviolence as he is to seeing the sweeps across the country by the Beijing re- of them separated from their families, emergence of a peaceful, prosperous, autono- gime. Congress must continue to stand by the because that’s the only way they could mous and self-determined Tibet. The brutal Tibetan people and uphold their rights as be raised in a Tibetan culture which is crackdown that seeks to derail the inevitable human beings. I urge every Member of Con- now restrained. Here are these chil- movement toward a free Tibet resulted in the gress to join the Tibetan Caucus, vote ‘‘yes’’ dren, they drew, they had thousands of deaths of more than 100 Tibetans and caused for House Resolution 1077, and urge the these. I brought many of them home, a great deal of social upheaval. President of the United States to issue an ex- an American flag on one side and on While we live a safe distance away from the ecutive order boycotting the Beijing Olympics the other side a Tibetan flag, ‘‘Free struggle, comfortably ensconced in a liberal and uphold the rights of the Tibetan people to Tibet, Free Tibet.’’ It goes on, ‘‘Long democratic society, we cannot act as though ensure their voice is not silenced. live His Holiness the Dalai Lama.’’ we do not have a role to play to support the Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I rise in ‘‘Long live the friendship between Dalai Lama. We do. strong support of H. Res. 1077 and I want to the United States and Tibet,’’ a friend- I am enormously grateful to Speaker thank the Speaker of the House, NANCY ship that began when Franklin Roo- PELOSI, who has offered this House resolution PELOSI, for her leadership and commitment to sevelt sent His Holiness, when he was a which calls upon the Chinese to end this the people of Tibet. For many years, in both very little boy, a watch. That watch crackdown. This violent reaction is short- words and deeds, she has stood by the peo- had the rising of the sun, the months of sighted and unproductive and, furthermore, it’s ple of Tibet, and called for the respect and the year, the phases of the moon, and not the long-term solution that respects the support of their dignity, culture, heritage, and it did tell time too. It was a very spe- human rights and dignity of every Tibetan. religion. And I am proud to be a cosponsor of cial fit, a gold watch. His Holiness has Rather, the Chinese Government must enter this legislation. said that he took that watch with him into a serious, substantive negotiation directly Madam Speaker, I believe Tibet is one of when he left Tibet, imagine, a piece of with the Dalai Lama and must allow inde- the most serious human rights and political America in that flight to freedom. pendent monitors into Tibet. Only then will we freedom issues of our time. It is our wish that under the provi- be on the path toward a solution to this crisis. The violent response by Chinese military sions of this legislation and the voices Furthermore, I join Speaker PELOSI and other forces to peaceful protests that began in the being heard all over the world now that supporters of a free Tibet, to ask for the im- Tibetan capital on March 11th is horrifying. I those negotiations will take place be- mediate release of all Tibetans who were ar- believe the United States and the international tween the Chinese Government and His rested for non-violent protest. community must convey a strong condemna- Holiness the Dalai Lama. I, like many, I am pleased this evening to express my tion of these acts, an accounting by China on have asked about the opening cere- support for the struggle toward a free Tibet, the welfare and whereabouts of the many de- monies. You don’t want to boycott the and I would encourage all my colleagues to tained Buddhist monks and other Tibetan citi- Olympics, what about the opening cere- join me by supporting this important House zens who have been arrested, and facilitate monies? resolution. access by international human rights monitors

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:58 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\H08AP8.REC H08AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 8, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2057 and journalists to Tibetan areas, as requested I promise the sponsors of this bill that I will seeking peaceful dialogue with the Chinese by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. continue to join them and speak out on these Government. The Dalai Lama is not seeking a The State Department’s 2007 Country Re- matters and press President Bush, the inter- boycott of the Olympic Games; he is seeking ports on Human Rights describes a human national community, and the Chinese Govern- to return to his homeland with his people in rights situation in China and Tibet that con- ment to respect the basic human rights of the peace. tinues to worsen while the repression of reli- Tibetan people. And passage of H. Res. 1077 As I told Ambassador Zhou of China when gious freedom has increased. There is very is the first step in moving this process forward. I met with him last week, it is in the interest disturbing evidence of a pre-Olympic crack- Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, I rise in of China and Tibet to arrive at a lasting resolu- down on religious leaders, journalists and law- strong support of H. Res. 1077, a resolution tion of this dispute as soon as possible. Chi- yers in recent months. It is long past time for you introduced calling on the government of na’s reputation around the world, and its rela- the government in Beijing to respect the the People’s Republic of China to end its tions with other nations, will only continue to human rights and religion of every Tibetan. crackdown in Tibet and to enter into a sub- suffer if Beijing continues to ignore the world’s Further, as the protests in Tibet began calling stantive dialogue with the Dalai Lama to find call for action. for greater economic opportunity and equality, a negotiated solution that respects the lan- This resolution calls upon China to begin a they clearly call into question China’s claims guage, culture, and religious identity of the Ti- dialogue with the Dalai Lama, without pre- that its development of Tibet advances the betan people. conditions, to address the legitimate griev- prosperity of Tibetans as well as the ethnic Madam Speaker, freedom, dignity, and re- ances of the Tibetan people. I truly hope that Chinese Han who have been encouraged to spect are universal rights that should know no the Chinese Government heeds this call, ends migrate to Tibet and establish themselves boundaries. When these rights are nurtured its repression of Tibetan rights, and enters into there. and protected, peace, prosperity, and harmony a genuine dialogue on Tibet’s future. Since I was first elected to Congress, I have flourish among people and nations. When I urge adoption of the resolution. worked with many of my House colleagues to these rights are restricted, repressed, and ig- Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Madam Speak- press for greater freedom for Tibet and for the er, I rise today in support of H. Res 1077 and release of Tibetan prisoners of conscience nored, each of us has an obligation to speak to express my concern over recent and ongo- who have been jailed by Chinese authorities, out, otherwise the world suffers. ing events in China. Since March 10th, when most of whom are imprisoned for their political Tibet has a long history of language, cul- Tibetan protests began in Lhasa, there have and cultural beliefs. Personally, I believe Tibet ture, and religion. Since the late 1500s, the been demonstrations in at least 48 locations. should be restored as an independent nation, teachings of the Dalai Lama and Buddhism which it was prior to China’s military invasion have played integral roles in Tibet and While there are some accounts of violent ac- over 50 years ago. I deeply fear that China is throughout the world. The fact that Tibetans tions, most Tibetan protestors have been successfully destroying a culture, religion and have lived under repressive conditions since peaceful. Unfortunately, the Chinese govern- national heritage that have survived for thou- China’s crackdown in 1958, which led to the ment has not taken the same approach in re- sands of years. deaths of more than 10,000 Tibetans and sent sponding to these protests and protestors. The legislation before us this evening calls the 14th Dalai Lama into exile, is inexcusable. While we do not know the true number, it is upon the Government of the People’s Repub- The fact that China has failed to live up to estimated that at least 3,000 Tibetans may be lic of China to end its crackdown in Tibet and its commitment to improve its human rights under detention. And it is even more unclear enter into a substantive dialogue with his holi- record is intolerable. The continued attempts how many people have perished because of ness the Dalai Lama to find a negotiated solu- by the Chinese Government to placate the the Chinese government’s excessive response tion that respects the distinctive language, cul- international community with promises cannot to these largely peaceful demonstrations. ture, religious identify, and fundamental free- go unchallenged any longer. If China wants to The Tibetans are a peace loving and resil- doms of all Tibetans. It is not a call for inde- be recognized as a world leader, it should ient people, and even under the Chinese oc- pendence. But it is a call for the Chinese Gov- start acting like one. A good first step would cupation they have been able to retain their ernment to respond as a mature member of be to allow for vigorous political debate rather culture. Unfortunately, while responding harsh- the international community. I hope that Bei- than suppressing it. ly, the Chinese government has also placed jing will understand much is required of a na- I urge my colleagues to support this impor- blame for the situation at the feet of the Dalai tion that desires to be a leader in regional and tant resolution and thank the distinguished Lama. This, despite the fact that none of the international affairs, including the capacity to gentlewoman from California, Madam Speak- purported evidence is linked directly to the genuinely negotiate differences and find solu- er, for her work on this issue. Dalai Lama. tions that are meaningful and acceptable to Mr. MARKEY. Madam Speaker, I rise in As these demonstrations continue, it is im- all. strong support of this resolution, which calls portant that the Chinese government distin- Madam Speaker, I have joined with my con- upon China to end its repression in Tibet. guishes between the peaceful protestors and gressional colleagues, in a bipartisan fashion, I would also like to commend the Speaker the rioters, and that it honor its own constitu- on matters to Chinese authorities about the re- for her long advocacy on behalf of the rights tionally guaranteed freedoms of speech, asso- cent protests in Tibet. Over the past years I of the Tibetan people, and for bringing this bill ciation, and demonstration. have also petitioned the Chinese Government before the House today. Passing this resolution today sends the on several individual cases, the most high pro- In Tibet, there is an ongoing struggle for message to the Chinese Government that this file of which would be the safety and well- basic human rights and human dignity. Our is what we expect, and that we will not turn a being of the Pachan Lama. I have also asked Nation has a moral obligation to make its blind eye to their actions. On the contrary, we my own government, at the highest levels, to views known to the Chinese Government re- are closely monitoring what occurs in Tibet advocate for the release of particular prisoners garding its oppression of the legitimate rights and will continue to do so. As China’s engage- and for greater freedoms for the Tibetan peo- of the Tibetan people to practice their religion ment in the international community continues ple. I must admit, however, that I am very and express their culture. to grow, we must call on the Chinese govern- frustrated by the fact that the United States, Last month, I was honored to join Speaker ment to honor the commitments it has made like the rest of the international community, PELOSI in traveling to Dharamsala. We met to both Chinese and international law. This appears to voice reverence for the Tibetan with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, with leaders resolution does just that, and I strongly sup- culture and religion, while standing idly by and of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, and with port its passage. watching it be slowly eroded and dismantled ordinary Tibetan people have been forced to Mr. ROYCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in sup- year by year by the Chinese authorities. In the flee their homes and seek refuge from Chi- port of H. Res.1077. meantime, China continues to pursue its poli- nese political oppression. I would like to first commend the Speaker cies in Tibet, knowing there is no price to pay I was moved by the extraordinary struggle on her timely resolution that calls on the Gov- for its actions. of the Tibetan people, and the stories I heard ernment of the People’s Republic of China to This time, Madam Speaker, we must all act of the brutal repression that has been taking end its crackdown in Tibet and to open a dia- differently. There must be consequences for place in that country. All the Tibetan people logue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. the brutal repression of Tibet. I hope the Chi- are seeking is their right to be able to express Importantly, this resolution calls on the Chi- nese Government will heed the message of their culture, language, and religion. nese Government to release all Tibetan pris- this resolution. I hope it will open a genuine The Dalai Lama made it absolutely clear to oners who were detained for their nonviolent dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and us that he is firmly and unequivocally com- expression of opposition to Chinese policy to- negotiate in good faith a just solution with and mitted to nonviolence, that he is not seeking wards Tibet, something with which I very for the people of Tibet. independence but autonomy, and that he is much agree.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:58 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\H08AP8.REC H08AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE H2058 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 8, 2008 In 2002, the Tibetan Policy Act was ushered has no intention of unilaterally changing it’s try. This resolution is also a reaction to six through Congress under the leadership of human rights record. The government of decades of cultural and religious repression of former chairmen Lantos and Hyde, and signed China has been and continues to be an the Tibetan people. Now is the time to bring into law. Amongst its components was a U.S. abuser of basic human rights despite the State the suffering of the Tibetan people to an end. commitment to the economic and cultural Department decision to not include China in a I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting preservation of Tibetans inside Tibet. I believe list of countries that most systemically violate this resolution to encourage the People’s Re- that this resolution reaffirms this commitment. human rights. This resolution asks the United public of China to enter into discussions with For decades, Beijing has oppressed the Ti- States Department of State to publicly issue a the Dalai Lama and respect the human rights betan people. As the State Department’s most statement reconsidering its decision. of all its citizens. recent annual report on human rights found, The cause of the Tibetan people is a desire Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I tight control on religious expression and denial for freedom of religion, freedom to speak their yield back the balance of my time. of other basic human rights are cause for seri- own language, and to express their unique The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ous concern. China’s further crackdowns on identity. It is a cause every American can re- question is on the motion offered by peaceful protestors of the Olympic torch relay late to. I urge my colleagues to vote in support the gentleman from California (Mr. serve to further affirm the State Department’s of this resolution—to vote in support of Tibet. BERMAN) that the House suspend the report. Ms. ESHOO. Madam Speaker, we’ve read rules and agree to the resolution, H. At the center of international media cov- and seen on the news the accounting of nu- Res. 1077. erage of China’s crackdown on Tibetan Bud- merous deaths following the anti-government The question was taken. dhism is Radio Free Asia, a non-profit broad- protests in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa. The The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the cast corporation that provides alternative news proindependence protests were initiated by opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being sources in repressive countries. In addition to ethnic Tibetans commemorating the 49th anni- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. covering the abuses wrought against the Ti- versary of the failed 1959 uprising that sent Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, on betans, Radio Free Asia has also documented the Dalai Lama into exile. China is now facing that I demand the yeas and nays. the Chinese destruction of precious Tibetan mounting international pressure, including the The yeas and nays were ordered. religious relics and manuscripts. It is not just U.S., to demonstrate restraint in dealing with The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- the ethnic discrimination against Tibetans that the dissent. ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the gives me pause, but also the efforts to erase I support the aspirations of the Tibetan peo- Chair’s prior announcement, further their culture. ple to peacefully protest for independence and proceedings on this motion will be I commend Radio Free Asia on their tireless safeguard their distinct identity by promoting postponed. efforts to broadcast truth, and I commend you, the elimination of all forms of racial, religious, Madam Speaker, on your work on this resolu- and linguistic discrimination against them. The f tion. People’s Republic of China, PRC, has failed b 2030 Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Madam miserably to guarantee the preservation of Speaker, as the Chinese Government was re- these rights for the Tibetan people and as a SPECIAL ORDERS pressing peaceful Tibetan protests last month, result, Tibetans remain plagued by poverty, il- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under I visited Dharamshala, India—the recognized literacy, and a limited infrastructure. the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- home of Tibetans in exile—with Speaker I was privileged to participate in the Speak- uary 18, 2007, and under a previous Pelosi and several of my colleagues. er’s congressional delegation to India last order of the House, the following Mem- I had the honor and privilege to meet His month when we visited the Dalai Lama in bers will be recognized for 5 minutes Holiness, the Dalai Lama, and I was moved by Dharamsala. During our visit we discussed the each. the infinite patience and courage he exudes in tragic violence that has been taking place in the face of overwhelming odds. I was touched Tibet with the Dalai Lama and we agreed that f by the large population of Tibetans in exile an open dialogue with the PRC and inter- NEWBORN SCREENING SAVES who worry about family members they have national pressure are the most effective meth- LIVES left behind. These are people who left their ods at our disposal for ending the crisis. homeland due to repression of religion and This resolution was born out of those dis- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a language by the Chinese Government and the cussions with the Dalai Lama. It condemns the previous order of the House, the gentle- constant violations of basic human rights and government of the PRC for its bloody suppres- woman from California (Ms. ROYBAL- dignity in their own land. sion of the Tibetan people and calls on the ALLARD) is recognized for 5 minutes. The Speaker, along with everyone else on government of the PRC to invite the Dalai Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Madam our trip, was incensed at the atrocities con- Lama to China for the purpose of dialogue to Speaker, this week the Nation is cele- ducted by China. Our first order of business resolve the root causes of unrest in the Ti- brating National Public Health Week, upon returning to the United States was to betan areas of China. and I can think of no better way for draft this important resolution before the Free expression and the right to dissent are this House to have begun the celebra- House today. defining elements of a democracy. That’s why tion than by the passage of today’s Through this resolution, we call on the Gov- it is essential for us to speak out in con- packet of critical bipartisan public ernment of the People’s Republic of China to demnation of China’s repression of religion, its health legislation. end its crackdown on nonviolent Tibetan complicity in the Sudanese atrocities in Darfur I commend Chairman DINGELL and protestors and its continuing cultural, religious, and its oppression of Tibet. Chairman PALLONE for their leadership economic, and linguistic repression inside I urge my colleagues to pass this important in helping to pass this group of bills Tibet and to begin a dialogue directly with His resolution. which will make a significant contribu- Holiness the Dalai Lama. Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, today, tion to improving our environment and The freedom of press is something we take the 2008 Olympic torch arrives for the first the quality of our Nation’s health. for granted in the United States but Tibetans time on American soil. It almost didn’t make it. Regrettably, I was unable to return unfortunately do not enjoy this privilege, as all After violence erupted in Paris and London be- from Los Angeles in time to be a part press inside Tibet, and all of China in fact, is tween police and demonstrators protesting of today’s floor discussion. I am par- closely monitored and controlled by the state. Chinese human rights abuses, there were se- ticularly pleased, however, that the This resolution calls on the Chinese Govern- rious discussions about ending the torch’s Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act, S. ment to allow independent international mon- journey across the world before it arrived in 1858, as amended by my bill, H.R. 3825, itors and journalists, free and unfettered ac- the United States. was one of the public health bills that cess to Tibet. Despite ongoing complaints by the inter- passed today. It is clear by the conviction and sentencing national community about China’s human I extend my sincere thanks to my of human rights activist Hu Jia, who has been rights abuses—and its restrictions on free- colleagues, Congressman MICHAEL an outspoken critic of the human rights record doms of speech—China refuses to take cor- SIMPSON, TOM REYNOLDS, and HENRY of the Chinese Government and called on the rective action. WAXMAN for their original cosponsor- international community to hold Beijing re- This resolution is an attempt to pressure the ship of H.R. 3825, the Newborn Screen- sponsible for the promises it made when bid- Chinese Government to address international ing Saves Lives Act. Their commit- ding to host the Olympic games, that China concerns of human rights abuses in that coun- ment and steadfast efforts have helped

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