Dharamshala — US Senators Jeff Merkley and Jim Risch introduce the Assuring the Future of Tibet Act (AFTA) in Senate, on Wednesday. The AFTA would recognise the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) as the legitimate representative of the Tibetan people, Support the Tibetan people’s right to self-determination, Affirm that resolving the Tibet-China dispute is a U.S. strategic interest and urge the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to address Tibetan aspirations for their distinct identity; Name the Gaden Phodrang Trust the sole authority to recognise Dalai Lamas, ensuring U.S. support endures beyond the 14th Dalai Lama.
The Assuring the Future of Tibet Act (AFTA) was introduced by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Jim Risch (R-ID), in Senate on August 12, 2026 and co-sponsored by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) Todd Young (R-IN), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Rick Scott (R-FL). The legislation is the Senate companion to the bill (H.R. 8982) introduced in May 22, 2026 in the House of Representatives by Reps. Jim McGovern (D-MA) and Michael McCaul (R-TX).
“Human rights and basic dignity for the people of Tibet cannot be ignored. Our bipartisan bill sends a clear message that the United States will stand with Tibet in its fight for these fundamental freedoms and the promise of tomorrow,” said Merkley. “As long as the People’s Republic of China continues to ignore the rights of Tibet under international law, America will not abandon the Tibetan people.”
“The Chinese Communist Party has sought to erase Tibetan culture, religion, and language, among other grievous actions. What Beijing has done to Tibet, they want to do elsewhere to anyone who defies the CCP,” said Risch. “This bill supports the Tibetan people, key partners in pushing back against China’s authoritarianism, and counters China’s malign influence at the United Nations.”
AFTA would recognise the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) as the legitimate representative of the Tibetan people, Support the Tibetan people’s human rights and right to self-determination, Affirm that resolving the Tibet-China dispute is a U.S. strategic interest and urge the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to address Tibetan aspirations for their distinct identity; Name the Gaden Phodrang Trust the sole authority to recognise Dalai Lamas, ensuring U.S. support endures beyond the 14th Dalai Lama, etc.
The International Campaign for Tibet welcomes the introduction of the Assuring the Future of Tibet Act (AFTA) (S.5362) in the US Senate, and it's President Tencho Gyatso said, “I thank Senators Merkley and Risch for introducing this vital bill and Senators Kaine, Young, Rosen, and Scott for serving as its original co-sponsors. The International Campaign for Tibet looks forward to working with Congress towards its swift passage."
“At a time when China is accelerating its campaign to erase Tibetan identity, this bill sends a powerful message – that America’s support for the Tibetan people, their democratic institutions, and the Tibetan people’s right to determine their own future is unwavering,” she added.
The Assuring the Future of Tibet Act would:
- Recognize the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) as the legitimate representative of the Tibetan people and the continuity of governance established by the Dalai Lama, and direct the Secretary of State to engage with the Sikyong and designated representatives at the most senior levels;
- Support the Tibetan people’s human rights and right to self-determination by advocating at the UN for CTA observer status and equal access across the UN system;
- Build international recognition of the CTA by pressing for its inclusion in relevant international bodies and organizing like-minded partners and allies behind that effort;
- Elevate the Sikyong’s standing by extending appropriate diplomatic courtesies, including security consistent with that afforded to a head of government, and considering privileges and immunities for CTA officials;
- Affirm that resolving the Tibet-China dispute is a U.S. strategic interest and urge the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to address Tibetan aspirations for their distinct identity;
- Name the Gaden Phodrang Trust the sole authority to recognize Dalai Lamas, ensuring U.S. support endures beyond the 14th Dalai Lama; and
- Require a report to Congress on implementation, which may be consolidated into existing State Department reporting.
