By Tenzin Chokyi

DHARAMSALA, 12 August: A bipartisan group of US senators has introduced legislation aimed at ensuring American support for Tibet continues beyond the lifetime of the 14th Dalai Lama, by strengthening Washington’s relationship with the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and its democratically elected leadership.

Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho) introduced the Assuring the Future of Tibet Act of 2026 in the Senate on 11 August with Senators Tim Kaine (D-Virginia), Todd Young (R-Indiana), Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada) and Rick Scott (R-Florida) as original co-sponsors.

At the centre of the proposed legislation is the CTA, which the bill would recognise as the legitimate representative of the Tibetan people and as representing the continuity of governance established by the Dalai Lama. It would also direct the US Secretary of State to engage with the Sikyong (P...