July 6 would be designated as A Day of Compassion to commemorate the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama under a bipartisan resolution sponsored on June 13 by U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX).
“Despite having faced persecution, oppression, and unspeakable violence at the hands of the CCP [Chinese Communist Party], His Holiness the Dalai Lama has maintained inner peace and continues to preach compassion — inspiring not only his own people, but the entire world,” Rep. McCaul said.
The congressman introduced House Resolution (H.Res.) 515 alongside seven original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Young Kim (R-CA) and Jim McGovern (D-MA), to also express support for the human rights, religious freedom, and cultural and linguistic protection of the Tibetan people, according to the text of the resolution.
“I was honored to meet him in Dharamsala last year to voice the U.S. government’s support for the people of Tibet, emphasize the friendship between our two peoples, and learn more of his courageous, peaceful, and sacrificial leadership,” said Rep. McCaul. “Ahead of His Holiness’s 90th birthday, I am proud to introduce this resolution calling for A Day of Compassion and affirming Tibetans’ fundamental human rights as we look forward to the day the Dalai Lama and his people can return to their homeland in peace.”
International Campaign for Tibet President Tencho Gyatso endorsed H.Res. 515, which is under consideration by the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee.
“His Holiness the Dalai Lama is an inspiration to millions of people around the world, including to me,” said Rep. McGovern. “He has been a passionate advocate for the freedom and dignity for the Tibetan people. It is appropriate for Congress to honor the 14th Dalai Lama and his countless accomplishments on his 90th birthday. May his next one be celebrated in Lhasa.”