WASHINGTON, DC—Representative Eliot L. Engel, the top Democrat on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement marking the 80th birthday of His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama:

“I want to extend congratulations and warm wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 80th birthday. As the spiritual and temporal leader of the Tibetan people, the Dalai Lama has inspired people around the world with his message of tolerance, peace, and non-violence.

“Today, we also recognize the Dalai Lama’s lifetime of work to preserve the cultural, religious, historical, and linguistic heritage of the Tibetan people. That's why I introduced a resolution in the House, along with 28 co-sponsors, that recognizes his efforts to build a peaceful and lasting solution for the Tibetan people, and that reaffirms the unwavering friendship between the Tibetan people and the United States.

“I wish His Holiness many more years of health on this very special occasion.”

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