H.R. 8982 — Assuring the Future of Tibet Act of 2026

This section states congressional findings on the history of United States relations with Tibet and the Dalai Lama beginning in 1908, the 2011 transfer of political authority to the elected Central Tibetan Administration, United States policy promoting Tibetan human rights and autonomy, and the People’s Republic of China’s 2026 Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress.

This section expresses the sense of Congress that the Government of the People’s Republic of China has reneged on commitments to Tibetan regional autonomy and self-determination under its constitution, the Regional Ethnic Autonomy Law, and international law, including through the 2026 Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress; has not engaged sincerely in dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives; and that the Gaden Phodrang Trust is the sole authority to recognize Dalai Lamas while the Central Tibetan Administration is the legitimate representative of the Tibetan people.

This section establishes United States policy to affirm a resolution of the dispute between Tibet and the People’s Republic of China as a strategic interest; support the Tibetan people’s exercise of human rights including self-determination under international covenants; maintain engagement with the Tibetan people and their elected, religious, and cultural leaders; recognize the Central Tibetan Administration as the continuity of Tibetan governance established by the Dalai Lama; and support the Administration’s responsibilities as empowered by the Dalai Lama and legitimized through democratic processes.

This section directs the President to instruct the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations to advocate for observer status for the Central Tibetan Administration in the General Assembly and relevant UN agencies. It also requires the Secretary of State to advocate for the Administration’s inclusion in international bodies and to organize partners to support its greater recognition in UN bodies and other multilateral fora.

This section directs the Secretary of State to lead interagency efforts engaging at the most senior levels with Central Tibetan Administration officials, including the Sikyong. It requires steps to extend the Sikyong appropriate diplomatic courtesies, including security details during U.S. visits consistent with a head of government, and to consider diplomatic privileges and immunities for Central Tibetan Administration officials. It also requires urging U.S. partners and allies to engage the Central Tibetan Administration at similarly senior levels.

This section requires the Secretary of State to submit an annual report, beginning one year after enactment, to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations describing the implementation status of sections 5 and 6.