Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas), Chairman emeritus of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and Representative Jim McGovern (D-Mass) introduced a bipartisan resolution designating July 6th, 2025, as "A Day of Compassion" in honor of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's 90th birthday, which will celebrate on July 6, 2025.
US Congressmen Michael McCaul and Jim McGovern introduced a bipartisan resolution on June 16, 2025 to celebrate and honour the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
The resolution states, "Commemorating the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on July 6, 2025, as “A Day of Compassion”, and expressing support for the human rights, religious freedom, and cultural and linguistic protection of the Tibetan people."
"The Dalai Lama has led the effort to preserve the rich and unique cultural, religious, historical, and linguistic heritage of the people of Tibet while working to safeguard other endangered cultures throughout the world," it added.
The resolution says, "The people of the United States have consistently expressed their appreciation for the culture and Tibetan Buddhism, including through their support of its preservation, and political and diplomatic support for the Dalai Lama in his capacity as a spiritual leader."
"The Universal Declaration of Human Rights holds that “[e]veryone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion,” including the freedom to change religion or belief and to practice it in private or public; at least 159 Tibetans in Tibet are known to have self-immolated, with statements or records left by many of them calling for freedom for Tibet and the return of the Dalai Lama," it declared.
The resolution states, "The Dalai Lama has highlighted the oneness of humanity and has dedicated his life for the promotion of compassion and human values, and is considered a leader of compassion by the international community."
US Congressmen Michael McCaul and Jim McGovern's resolution urge "the House of Representatives to recognises “A Day of Compassion" and congratulates His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday and affirms its recognition of his outstanding contributions to peace, nonviolence, human rights, and religious understanding, affirms the Tibetan people’s fundamental human rights and freedoms, including their right to self-determination and the protection of their distinct religious, cultural, linguistic, and national identity."
They also call on Representatives to pass the resolution to "reiterates as outlined in the Tibetan Policy and Support Act that the identification and installation of Tibetan Buddhist religious leaders are within the authority of the Tibetan Buddhist faith community, in accordance with their inalienable right to religious freedom and a future 15th Dalai Lama is a matter that should be determined solely by the present 14th Dalai Lama; and reiterates that any attempt by the Government of the People’s Republic of China to identify or install Tibetan Buddhist religious leaders, including a future 15th Dalai Lama, is invalid interference in the right to religious freedom of Tibetan Buddhists around the world, including in Tibet and in the United States; and encourages that this resolution be presented to His Holiness the Dalai Lama as an expression of esteem and respect."
“Despite having faced persecution, oppression, and unspeakable violence at the hands of the CCP, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has maintained inner peace and continues to preach compassion — inspiring not only his own people, but the entire world,” said Rep. McCaul. “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. 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."
“His Holiness the Dalai Lama is an inspiration to millions of people around the world, including to me,” said Rep. McGovern. “His teachings on religious tolerance, non-violent responses to conflict and violent extremism, and peace-building are both timeless and urgently needed in our present circumstances. 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.”
“This resolution expresses a wonderful, bipartisan recognition that His Holiness the Dalai Lama stands as a global icon of compassion and honors his lifelong commitment to strive for peace and justice for his homeland and the people of Tibet,” said International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) President Tencho Gyatso. “Swift passage of this resolution led by HFAC Chairman Emeritus McCaul and Congressman McGovern, will bring joy and inspiration to all those celebrating the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, and perhaps most critically, provide hope and inspiration to the Tibetan people in Tibet for whom even a simple public acknowledgement of the Dalai Lama’s birthday remains a dangerous act.”
The resolution is co-signed by Representatives Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), Janice Schakowsky (D-Ill.), and Young Kim (R-Calif.).
