From top left in a clockwise direction – Jessica Corbman, staffer in Washington District number 2; Lobsang Tsering, V-TAG member in Washington, and J.Z. Golden, Legislative Director in Washington D.C.

Seattle, Washington: Seattle-based V-TAG member Lobsang Tsering met with Jessica Corbman, a staffer in Washington District number 2 office in Everett, and J.Z. Golden, Legislative Director in Washington D.C. in a virtual meeting via Zoom on 22 December 2023.

This meeting was organised as part of the Washington State V-TAG’s efforts to reach out to all ten Washington representatives. To date, V-TAG members have had the opportunity to meet with Representatives and their staff, including Representative Pramila Jayapal, Adam Smith, Suzan DelBene, Rick Larsen, Kim Schrier, and Marie Glusenkemp Perez. During the next few weeks, members of the V-TAG will meet with the remaining representatives.

Lobsang Tsering thanked staffers for attending the meeting and updated them on the status of the Tibet China Dispute Act bill, H.R. 533, which was approved by the House Foreign Affairs Committee on 30 November 2023. Lobsang also highlighted the importance of US-Tibet relations and the fact that this bill has been approved by members of both parties. He provided a brief history of Tibetan immigrants in Washington State as well as information about Tibetans living in his district who are interested in contacting his office.

Jessica Corbman said the office was pleased to learn about local Tibetan populations in Edmonds, Lynnwood, and Everett, and she would also like to connect with the Tibetan Association.

In response, J.Z. Golden expressed his gratitude for taking the time to contact his office and inform them of the plight of Tibetans. Moreover, he expressed his deep concern regarding the fate of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, and the issue of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s reincarnation.

-Report filed by Tibet Advocacy Section, DIIR 

Washington District # 2 Representative Rick Larsen