S. 5362: Assuring the Future of Tibet Act of 2026 (119th Congress) Bill Summary

This bill would direct the U.S. government to more actively support the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the Tibetan exile government, in international diplomacy.

What the bill says about Tibet

The bill states that Congress believes China has reduced Tibetan autonomy and that Tibetans should have the right to preserve their language, religion, culture, and political identity. It also says the United States should treat the Tibet-China dispute as unresolved and seek a peaceful resolution through dialogue.

What the bill would require the U.S. government to do

Have the President direct the U.S. representative to the United Nations to use U.S. influence to support the CTA’s observer status at the U.N. General Assembly and relevant U.N. agencies.
Require the Secretary of State to advocate for the CTA’s inclusion in relevant international organizations and groupings.
Encourage the Secretary of State to work with other countries to increase recognition of the CTA in international forums.
Push for the CTA to have equal access and participation in parts of the U.N. system, including specialized agencies and technical bodies.

Diplomatic engagement

The bill would also direct the State Department, or a designee, to:

Lead interagency efforts to engage directly with CTA officials at senior levels, including the Sikyong, who is the CTA’s top elected leader.
Take steps to ensure the Sikyong receives appropriate diplomatic courtesies and security during visits to the United States.
Consider whether CTA officials should receive diplomatic privileges and immunities.
Encourage U.S. allies and partners to engage with and support the CTA at senior levels.

Reporting requirement

The Secretary of State would have to report to Congress within one year of enactment, and then every year for ten years, on the steps taken to carry out the bill. After the first report, later updates could be folded into other State Department annual reports, as long as they are still formally submitted to Congress.