US senators unveil Tibet bill to back exile leadership beyond Dalai Lama

Washington,UPDATED: Aug 12, 2026 09:24 IST

A bipartisan group of US senators has introduced a bill aimed at ensuring continued American support for Tibet beyond the lifetime of the 14th Dalai Lama. The proposed Assuring the Future of Tibet Act, or AFTA, was introduced in the Senate by Democrat Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Republican Jim Risch of Idaho.

The bill seeks to recognise the Central Tibetan Administration as the legitimate representative of the Tibetan people and the continuation of the system of governance established by the Dalai Lama. It also calls for the US Secretary of State to engage at the most senior levels with the Sikyong, the political leader of the Tibetan government-in-exile, and other designated representatives, while backing Tibetan human rights and the right to self-determination at the United Nations.

The legislation has been co-sponsored by Senators Tim Kaine, Todd Young, Jacky Rosen, and Rick Scott. It is the Senate companion to a bill introduced in the House of Representatives on May 22, 2026, by Congressmen Jim McGovern and Michael McCaul.

The bill also seeks US advocacy at the UN for observer status for the Central Tibetan Administration and equal access across the UN system. It says Tibet's future cannot be decided without the Tibetan people themselves.

Campaign for Tibet president Tencho Gyatso said, "I thank Senators Merkley and Risch for introducing this vital bill and Senators Kaine, Young, Rosen, and Scott for serving as its original co-sponsors. The Campaign for Tibet looks forward to working with Congress towards its swift passage."

She added, "At a time when China is accelerating its campaign to erase Tibetan identity, this bill sends a powerful message – that America's support for the Tibetan people, their democratic institutions, and the Tibetan people's right to determine their own future is unwavering."

Merkley said, "Human rights and basic dignity for the people of Tibet cannot be ignored. Our bipartisan bill sends a clear message that the United States will stand with Tibet in its fight for these fundamental freedoms and the promise of tomorrow."

He added, "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."

The proposed legislation brings together US support for Tibetan representation, engagement with Tibetan leaders and advocacy for Tibetan rights, while underlining that the future of Tibet must involve the Tibetan people themselves.

With PTI Inputs

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