House Foreign Affairs Committee approves bill

The TPSA was on the fast track to passing the House. The House Foreign Affairs Committee approved the bill unanimously at a markup hearing, clearing the way for it to get a vote on the House floor.

“With this bill, we send a clear message: If Chinese officials infringe on the religious freedom of the Tibetan people, we will hold them accountable,” Committee Chairman Eliot Engel, D-NY, said. Rep. Chris Smith, R-NJ, added that, “The policies of the Chinese government have severely degraded Tibetan religion and culture, language, livelihood and the natural environment.”