Norton Introduces Resolution Welcoming the Dalai Lama to Washington, DC

Norton Introduces Resolution Welcoming the Dalai Lama to Washington, DC

July 6, 2011

WASHINGTON, DC -- Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today introduced a resolution welcoming Tibetan spiritual leader, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, to the nation's capital and recognizing his lifelong commitment to world peace and elevating human rights. The Dalai Lama is visiting the District Tuesday, July 5 through Saturday, July 16 to preside over the fifth Kalachakra teaching in the United States, the first in the nation's capital, which will be held at the Verizon Center.

Norton said in her floor statement, "The Dalai Lama welcomed me into his home in 2008 during a congressional delegation trip led by then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi. It is, therefore, a personal pleasure to welcome him to my congressional district and the nation's capital. Tibetan children, monks, and exiles lined the streets to greet our delegation in 2008, and I know that my colleagues would want to join me in returning the favor."

Norton's full introduction statement follows.

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Statement of

The Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton

on Introduction of

a resolution welcoming the dalai lama to the district of columbia

Mr. Speaker. Ms. Norton. Today, I introduce a resolution welcoming the Fourteenth Dalai Lama to Washington, D.C., July 5-16, 2011, and recognizing his extraordinary example and commitment to world peace, non-violence, human rights, religious freedom and democracy.

The Dalai Lama welcomed me into his home in 2008 during a congressional delegation trip led by then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi. It is, therefore, a personal pleasure to welcome him to my congressional district and the nation's capital. Tibetan children, monks, and exiles lined the streets to greet our delegation in 2008, and I know that my colleagues would want to join me in returning the favor.

Although the Dalai Lama has visited the nation's capital many times, this year he will preside over the fifth Kalachakra teaching in the United States, the first in the nation's capital, which will be held at the Verizon Center. The Kalachakra seeks to enhance the Dalai Lama's non-violent teachings, as well as to reduce conflict and promote peace, individually and globally.

I urge my colleagues to join me in welcoming this world-celebrated, Nobel Peace Prize and Congressional Gold Medal recipient, and in wishing the Dalai Lama a happy 76th birthday on July 6th.