Two US lawmakers have presented a bipartisan bill, the “Assuring the Future of Tibet Act of 2026,” to ensure ongoing American involvement with the Tibetan people and the Central Tibetan Administration after the 14th Dalai Lama. The legislation, introduced by Congressman James P. McGovern and Congressman Michael McCaul, aims to bolster US backing for Tibetan human rights, self-determination, and democratic representation. It also emphasizes continued engagement with the Central Tibetan Administration based in Dharamshala, India.
McGovern highlighted Congress’s enduring interest in resolving the Tibet-China conflict, stressing the importance of advocating for the fundamental human rights of Tibetans. He emphasized the need to support the Central Tibetan Administration as the legitimate, democratically elected representative of the Tibetan people. McCaul echoed this sentiment, expressing the bill’s purpose to reinforce long-term American support for Tibetans amid pressure from Beijing.
The bill outlines the necessity for the US to engage directly with Tibetans, their democratically-elected leadership, and their religious and cultural figures. It affirms the Central Tibetan Administration as the continuity of governance for the Tibetan people, as established by the Dalai Lama. Additionally, the legislation calls for advocating observer status for the Central Tibetan Administration within the UN system and other international forums.
The proposed bill asserts that the Tibetan people have been deprived of their right to self-determination under international law. It also recognizes the Gaden Phodrang Trust as the legitimate authority responsible for identifying and recognizing Dalai Lamas.
