Dear [Decision Maker],
The United States Congress has stood with Tibetan Americans and friends of Tibet for decades through bipartisan support for legislation that affirms the fundamental human rights of the Tibetan people. Today, Congress has yet another definitive opportunity to advance the pursuit of a better future for Tibet by promoting dialogue between Tibetan leadership and the Chinese government through supporting H.R. 533 - Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Conflict Act introduced by Representatives Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and Jim McGovern (D-MA) and Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Todd Young (R-IN) in the Senate (S.138). The Ask:CO-SPONSOR H.R.533/S.138 - The Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Conflict Act which clarifies US Tibet policy and establishes a clear, consistent message that the United States does not consider the Tibet matter resolved, the only path forward is meaningful dialogue, and the United States support for Tibet will never waiver.What the bill does:1.) Clarifies that America will back the Tibetan people until negotiations are settled, whether it is with the 14th Dalai Lama or a future Tibetan leader. This is essential to providing the Tibetan people the long-term support needed in their quest for dignity and self-determination.2.) Makes it official US policy that the conflict between Tibet and China remains unresolved regardless of the Chinese Communist Party's propaganda machine.3.) Recognizes that Tibetans have a right to self-determination--and that Beijing's policies preclude them from exercising that right.4.) Faults the Chinese government for failing to meet expectations of participating in dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives.5.) Rejects as "historically false" claims that Tibet has been part of China since ancient times.6.) Empowers the Office of the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues to counter Communist Party disinformation about the history of Tibet, the Tibetan people, and Tibetan institutions, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama.7.) Makes clear that Tibet includes not only the so-called "Tibet Autonomous Region" of China but also Tibetan areas that are incorporated in Gansu, Sichuan, Qinghai, and Yunnan provinces.The Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Conflict Act (H.R.533/S.138) comes at a critical juncture in the Tibet-China conflict. After abandoning the dialogue process over a decade ago, the Xi Jinping regime has tightened its iron fist and the Tibetan people's suffering has only increased. Arbitrary detention, disappearances, and torture remain commonplace--hidden now behind an iron curtain of pervasive electronic surveillance. New policies are in place that further a systematic attempt to eradicate Tibetans as a people. The coerced collection of Tibetan biometric data by Chinese state police is escalating surveillance to a new, dangerous level. Forced separation of children from their families into Chinese colonial boarding schools designed to sever the very roots of the Tibetan identity.
Sincerely,[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP][Your Email]
