We are thrilled to share that Senator Feinstein just introduced a resolution honoring His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 80th Birthday. She was joined by longtime supporters of His Holiness and Tibet Senators Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), as original cosponsors. We wish to thank them all for standing with the Tibetan people on this auspicious occasion.

Below is the statement released by Senator Feinstein.

Feinstein, Colleagues Honor Dalai Lama on 80th Birthday

Jun 11 2015

View on www.feinstein.senate.gov »

Washington — Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today introduced a resolution extending well-wishes to the Dalai Lama on his 80th birthday on July 6, 2015.

The resolution is cosponsored by Senators Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Robert Menendez (D-N.J.).

“His Holiness is a singular figure among world leaders, moral authorities and religious mentors,” said Senator Feinstein. “His message of peace, compassion and nonviolence has resonated throughout the world, bridged divides and inspired millions to recognize the common humanity among us. To my dear friend, I wish you a very happy birthday and many more years in which your teachings can touch even more lives.”

“The Dalai Lama is an international symbol for peace and human rights. His leadership for the Tibetan people’s quest for religious freedom and fundamental rights despite adversity is an inspiration to us all,” said Senator Kirk.

Specifically, the resolution:

  • Extends well-wishes to the Dalai Lama on his 80th birthday;
  • Recognizes the Dalai Lama for a lifelong commitment and outstanding contribution to the promotion of nonviolence, human rights, religious tolerance, environmental awareness and democracy; and
  • Recognizes the Dalai Lama for using moral authority to promote the concept of universal responsibility as a guiding tenet for how human beings should treat one another and the planet that all human beings share.

The full text of the resolution can be found [ below ].

View resolution online »

EHF15170 — S.L.C.

114TH CONGRESS — 1ST SESSION S. RES. ____

Wishing His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama a happy 80th birthday on July 6, 2015, and recognizing the outstanding contributions His Holiness has made to the promotion of nonviolence, human rights, interfaith dialogue, environmental awareness, and democracy.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself, Mr. KIRK, Mr. DURBIN, Mrs. BOXER, Mr. CARDIN, and Mr. MENENDEZ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on ____

RESOLUTION

Wishing His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama a happy 80th birthday on July 6, 2015, and recognizing the outstanding contributions His Holiness has made to the promotion of nonviolence, human rights, interfaith dialogue, environmental awareness, and democracy.

Whereas, for over 50 years, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has significantly advanced greater understanding, tolerance, harmony, and respect among the religious faiths of the world;

Whereas the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 in recognition of his efforts to seek a peaceful resolution to the situation in Tibet and to promote nonviolent methods for resolving conflict;

Whereas the Dalai Lama was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007 in recognition of his many enduring and outstanding contributions to peace, nonviolence, human rights, and religious understanding;

Whereas 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;

Whereas the 14th Dalai Lama has devolved the traditional role of the Dalai Lama as the political head of the Tibetan government, and his own responsibilities within the Central Tibetan Administration, in favor of the democratically elected leadership of Tibetans in exile, while continuing to travel and speak as a spiritual leader for the people of Tibet;

Whereas the Dalai Lama, together with leading environmentalists, has been gravely concerned by the degraded state of the environment of Tibet and the consumption of the natural resources of Tibet, including freshwater, because the degradations have implications not only for the people of Tibet, but for the whole of Asia; and

Whereas the people of the United States, including Tibetan Americans, have come to regard the Dalai Lama as a leading figure of moral and religious authority: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) extends well-wishes to the Dalai Lama on his 80th birthday;

(2) recognizes the Dalai Lama for a lifelong commitment and outstanding contribution to the promotion of nonviolence, human rights, religious tolerance, environmental awareness, and democracy; and

(3) recognizes the Dalai Lama for using moral authority to promote the concept of universal re-sponsibility as a guiding tenet for how human beings should treat one another and the planet that all human beings share.