US Senate Bill Seeks Long-Term Support for Tibetan Cause Beyond Dalai Lama’s Lifetime
Bipartisan legislation seeks recognition for the Central Tibetan Administration and greater international backing for Tibetan rights and self-determination.
WASHINGTON, Aug 12: A bipartisan group of US Senators has introduced legislation aimed at ensuring continued American support for the Tibetan people and their political institutions beyond the lifetime of the 14th Dalai Lama.
Oregon Democrat Jeff Merkley and Idaho Republican Jim Risch recently introduced the Assuring the Future of Tibet Act (AFTA) in the US Senate.
The legislation seeks to recognise the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) as the legitimate representative of the Tibetan people and acknowledge the continuity of the governance institutions established under the Dalai Lama.
The proposed measure would also require the US Secretary of State to engage with the Sikyong, the political leader of the Tibetan government-in-exile, along with designated representatives at the highest levels.
Another key provision focuses on protecting the human rights and right to self determination of the Tibetan people. The bill calls for US advocacy at the United Nations to secure observer status for the CTA and promote its equal access across the UN system.
Senators Tim Kaine, Todd Young, Jacky Rosen and Rick Scott have joined as original co-sponsors of the legislation.
The Senate measure follows a companion bill introduced in the House of Representatives on May 22, 2026, by Congressmen Jim McGovern and Michael McCaul.
International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) President Tencho Gyatso welcomed the Senate initiative and said the organisation looked forward to working with Congress for its passage.
She said the legislation comes as China continues efforts that, according to the ICT, seek to undermine Tibetan identity, adding that the measure demonstrates continued US backing for Tibetans, their democratic institutions and their right to determine their own future.
Merkley said human rights and dignity in Tibet could not be overlooked, arguing that the bipartisan legislation demonstrates Washington’s commitment to supporting fundamental freedoms of the Tibetan people.
“As long as the People’s Republic of China continues to ignore the rights of Tibet under international law, America will not abandon the Tibetan people,” Merkley said.
The proposed law reflects growing efforts in the US Congress to establish a long term policy on Tibet that remains in place after the current Dalai Lama’s lifetime, while strengthening engagement with Tibetan institutions and international bodies.
