Lobsang Tsering, a Seattle-based member of the Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group (V-TAG), met virtually with Jessica Corbman, a staff member at the Everett office serving Washington’s 2nd Congressional District, and J. Z. Golden, Legislative Director in Washington, D.C., on 22 December 2023. The meeting formed part of V-TAG Washington State’s broader initiative to engage all ten members of Washington State’s congressional delegation on Tibet-related issues and legislation.
As part of this outreach effort, V-TAG members had already held meetings with the offices of Representatives Pramila Jayapal, Adam Smith, Suzan DelBene, Rick Larsen, Kim Schrier, and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. The initiative aimed to establish dialogue with congressional offices across the state, with further meetings planned with the remaining representatives in the following weeks.
Discussion on Tibet Legislation and U.S.–Tibet Relations
During the meeting, Lobsang Tsering thanked the congressional staff members for their time and briefed them on the status of the Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act, H.R. 533, which had been approved by the House Foreign Affairs Committee on 30 November 2023. He highlighted the significance of U.S.–Tibet relations and noted the bill’s bipartisan support at the committee stage.
Lobsang also provided an overview of the history of Tibetan immigration to Washington State and discussed the Tibetan community living within the congressional district. He explained that local Tibetans were interested in establishing contact with their representative’s office and building channels for continued communication on issues affecting Tibet and the Tibetan community.
Building Connections with Local Tibetan Communities
Jessica Corbman welcomed the information about Tibetan communities in Edmonds, Lynnwood, and Everett. She also expressed interest in connecting with the Tibetan Association, creating an opportunity for further engagement between the congressional office and local Tibetan residents.
J. Z. Golden thanked Lobsang for reaching out and sharing information about the situation facing Tibetans. He also expressed concern regarding the fate of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, and questions surrounding the reincarnation of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
The meeting formed part of V-TAG Washington State’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness of Tibet-related concerns among elected representatives and their staff. By combining discussions on legislation with engagement at the local community level, the initiative sought to strengthen communication between Tibetan communities and congressional offices throughout Washington State.