-By International Campaign for Tibet, 26 June 2025

This week, ahead of the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday on July 6, 2025, hundreds of Tibet supporters convened at the US Capitol to take their message on Tibet to their elected representatives. Tibet Lobby Day included more than 200 people, representing 25 states plus the District of Columbia and visited more than 100 congressional offices.

This year the event culminated in a joyous celebration of the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday hosted by Congressmen Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Jim McGovern (D-MA) and attended by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) and Congressman Michael Baumgartner (R-WA). Other hosts included; The Office of Tibet, represented by Representative Namgyal Choedup, the Capitol Area Tibetan Association, and ICT helped arrange the event while ICT Chairman Richard Gere participated via video.

“I remember one other thing [His Holiness] said: ‘I will not be reborn in China. I will be reborn in freedom.’ That’s very profound,” said Congressman Michael McCaul in his birthday wishes. “I said, ‘Don’t you harbor any ill will toward the Chinese people?’ He said, ‘I cannot let negative emotions overtake my soul.’ He reminds us that the CCP can take away your land, but they cannot take away your culture or your spirit.”

“I’ve been inspired by the Dalai Lama for a long time, as a human being I’ve been inspired by his personal commitment to practicing patience and charity,” Congressman Jim McGovern said. “As a person raised in the Catholic faith, I’ve been inspired by his role as a spiritual leader, and as a Congressman, I’ve been inspired by his role as a national leader, guiding his people through dark times toward a brighter future. His Holiness inspires millions, his teachings on religious tolerance, non-violence, and peace building, and his advocacy for the freedom and dignity of the Tibetan people. Next year, let us celebrate his birthday with him in Lhasa, Tibet.”

“Hope is the most positive value we can have, or virtue we can respect. Hope, because anything is possible. Sometimes people say to me, where is hope anymore,” said Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. “And I think of His Holiness, and I think of his faith, his faith is so strong. And his goodness, that he sees in himself and in others. Hope is where it has always been sitting right between faith and the goodness of others. Faith, hope, and charity. Faith, hope and love. When we listen to him, we are taken to another place.”

“I am so thankful for the support of our champions in Congress and the hundreds of grassroots activists. Everyone that has taken time out of their busy schedule to reaffirm their commitment to the Tibetan cause, to those living in Tibet under Chinese oppression, and to celebrate the life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama as he turns 90,” said Tencho Gyatso, President of ICT. “Without so many dedicated people, both activists and members of Congress, this event wouldn’t be as successful as it was.” Click here to read more.