As this year’s recipient of the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize, Liu Xiaobo joins the pantheon of great leaders for non-violence, justice, and freedom throughout history.
Today marks the 75th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Tibetans inside and outside Tibet, along with Tibetan supporters all around the world, will be celebrating this occasion and honoring a man of peace and wisdom.
His Holiness often describes himself as a 'simple monk, no more, no less.' But His Holiness represents much more to many people around the world. For thousands, he is a source of spiritual refuge and a connection to inner peace and harmony. He has traveled the world, building bridges between the different faiths. He has used his position to promote wisdom, compassion, and non-violence as a solution – not only in Tibet – but to other world conflicts.
The Dalai Lama has made the human rights situation in Tibet an issue of international concern, and it is long past time to resolve it. A negotiated agreement would ensure internal stability in Tibet and bolster China's reputation in the world.
His Holiness has expressed a willingness to visit China and engage directly with high level officials. It is my sincere hope that Beijing will send a confident message by inviting His Holiness to China for substantive discussions.
His Holiness has asked for international support for his non-violent efforts to engage the Chinese government. I am proud to say the U.S. Congress has been a bedrock of support for the Tibetan cause. In 2007, I stood with President Bush to award the Congressional Gold Medal to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his 'many enduring and outstanding contributions to peace, non-violence, human rights, and religious understanding.'
On the 75th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, I offer my continued appreciation of his life's work promoting compassion, peace, and human rights for all of the people of the world.
On Sunday, United Nations World Refugee Day, we again bring attention to the plight of men, women and children all over the world who have been forced to flee their homes for safety. The theme of this year's World Refugee Day is: 'They have taken my home, but they can't take my future.' This is especially fitting given the current statistics on refugees around the world.
Currently, the UN estimates there are more than 43 million refugees and internally displaced persons worldwide. Sudan has the largest refugee population — 2.6 million have been internally displaced and 250,00 Darfuri refugees are in Chad. These individuals and families are driven from their homes without warning, and are often unable to access the most basic necessities. Refugees often live in overcrowded and under-supplied camps, where they are exposed to disease, crime, and other harsh conditions. They often have to wait from one month to eight years or more until a country accepts their application for residency.
In India and Nepal, there are approximately 70,000 Tibetan refugees who have escaped Chinese repression over the dangerous Himalayan mountain passes. There continues to be no resolution in sight as the Chinese government will not engage directly with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in a peaceful dialogue.
Today, we must honor the people of Sudan, Tibet, and so many other refugees around the world who have been uprooted from their homes by helping to build a more secure, just and peaceful future.
“This physical and permanent marker will pay tribute to the blood, sweat and tears of the African-American slaves who helped build this magnificent building and ensure that their story is told and never, never, ever forgotten.”
- Rep. John Lewis
Over the past decade, the House and Senate Slave Labor Task Force has worked to document the history of enslaved African Americans who worked as carpenters, masons, rafters, roofers, plasterers, painters, glazers, and other integral occupations building the Capitol–as the Speaker said, “history books had not reported their story, nor described the pivotal role they played in erecting the Capitol.”
On June 16th, Speaker Pelosi joined Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Republican Leader John Boehner, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Congressman John Lewis, Senator Blanche Lincoln, and Members of Congress to unveil plaques recognizing the contributions of enslaved African Americans in the construction of the Capitol:
Twenty one years ago, thousands of Chinese students, workers, and citizens assembled in Tiananmen Square to bravely speak out. They called for the elimination of corruption. They called for an acceleration of democratic reform, freedom of speech and assembly. They called for a dialogue with China's leaders on how to make progress.
We remember with sadness and outrage how China's military was unleashed on its own people. One of the most enduring images of the 20th Century will forever be seared into our conscience — the picture of the lone man standing in the street, bringing the line of tanks to a grinding halt. Today, the spirit of Tiananmen lives on in the hearts and minds of those continuing the struggle both in China and abroad. These heroes have the courage to speak out for freedom.
Liu Xiaobo is one of those individuals. In the 1990s, Liu has spent five years in prison and in re-education-through-labor camps for supporting the Tiananmen students and questioning the one-party system. In 2008, Liu was arrested again for being one of the organizers of Charter 08, an online public petition for democracy and the rule of law that has over 8,000 signatures of Chinese citizens. In 2009, Liu was sentenced 11 years imprisonment for 'inciting subversion of state power.' The harshness of his sentence is further proof of the power of his message among Chinese citizens.
While the Chinese government prohibits its people from publicly discussing the events of June 4th, the people of Hong Kong exercise their civil liberties on each anniversary by holding a candlelight vigil in memory of the victims. This year for the first time, police arrested activists and confiscated the Goddess of Democracy replica statue that is the symbol of the Tiananmen movement. This crackdown on freedom of expression will only succeed in shining a spotlight on the courage of Hong Kong's democratic movement. The United States must stand solidly with the people of Hong Kong in their desire for democracy and freedom of speech and assembly.
The spirit of Tiananmen continues to inspire and endure. Today we say to the people of China and freedom-loving people everywhere: ‘Your cause is our cause. We will never forget.’
Today, Speaker Pelosi, Congresswoman Nita Lowey and Senator Patrick Leahy (House and Senate Chairs of the Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations), met with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia:
President Sirleaf is the first woman elected to lead an African nation, and as Speaker Pelosi said, “an inspiration to women everywhere, men too–a woman revered by her people and determined to make progress.” Watch Speaker Pelosi, Rep. Lowey, Sen. Leahy and President Sirleaf give remarks prior to their meeting:
Four years ago, President Sirleaf addressed a Joint Session of Congress, sharing her vision for Liberia and the “enormity of the challenges”:
In the campaign months, I traveled to every corner of our country. I trudged through mud in high boots, where roads did not exist or had deteriorated past repair. I surveyed ruined hospitals and collapsed clinics. I held meetings by candlelight, because there is no electricity anywhere – including the capital – except from private generators. I was forced to drink water from creeks and un-sanitized wells all of which made me vulnerable to the diseases from which so many of our people die daily.
I came face to face with the human devastation of war, which killed a quarter of a million of our three million people and displaced most of the rest. Hundreds of thousands escaped across borders. More – who could not – fled into the bush, constantly running from one militia or another, often surviving by eating rodents and wild plants that made them sick and even killed them. Our precious children died of malaria, parasites and mal-nourishments. Our boys, full of potential, were forced to be child soldiers, to kill or be killed. Our girls, capable of being anything they could imagine, were made into sex slaves, gang-raped by men with guns, made mothers while they were still children themselves.
But listening to the hopes and dreams of our people, I recall the words of a Mozambican poet who said, “Our dream has the size of freedom.” My people, like your people, believe deeply in freedom – and, in their dreams, they reach for the heavens. I represent those dreams. I represent their hope and their aspirations. I ran for president because I am determined to see good governance in Liberia in my lifetime. But I also ran because I am the mother of four, and I wanted to see our children smile again.
Already, I am seeing those smiles. For even after everything they have endured, the people of Liberia have faith in new beginnings. They are counting on me and my administration to create the conditions that will guarantee the realization of their dreams. We must not betray their trust. All the children I meet – when I ask what they want most – say, “I want to learn.” “I want to go to school.” “I want an education.” We must not betray their trust.
Under President Sirleaf’s leadership during a difficult post-war peace and reconciliation process, Liberia's security situation is currently stable, the economy and the humanitarian conditions on the ground have significantly improved, and Liberia is scheduled to hold a second free and fair election in 2011. President Sirleaf has made great progress.
H. Res. 1281
In the House of Representatives, U. S.,
April 21, 2010.
Whereas Dr. Dorothy Irene Height was a humanitarian whose life exemplified her passionate commitment to a just society and civil rights for all people;
Whereas Dr. Height was the godmother of the civil rights movement and tireless advocate of equality for women and women’s rights in the United States;
Whereas Dr. Height led many national organizations, including 33 years of service on the staff of the National Board of the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), director of the National YWCA School for Professional Workers, and became the first director of the Center for Racial Justice, served as president of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) for 4 decades, as president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated during two consecutive terms, and continued to provide guidance as chair and president emerita of NCNW until her death;
Whereas Dr. Height was the recipient of countless awards and honors, including the Presidential Citizens Medal in 1989 by President Ronald Reagan, the Presidential Medal of Honor in 1994 by President William Clinton, and the Congressional Medal of Honor by President George W. Bush on behalf of the United States Congress in 2004; and
Whereas Dr. Height was a tenacious and zealous civil rights activist, social worker, advocate, educator, and organizer in the quest for equality: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives–
(1) celebrates the life of Dr. Dorothy Irene Height; and
(2) expresses recognition for her life-long dedication and leadership in the struggle for civil rights for all people.
The Speaker’s floor remarks honoring Dr. Height:
I thank the Chairman for yielding and for giving us this opportunity to honor the life, legacy, and contributions of the godmother of the civil rights movement and a champion of social justice, Dr. Dorothy Height.
Her loss is felt by all of us who knew her, respected her, and followed in her footsteps. But it's also felt by people who may never know her name — but for whom she worked, for whom she led, and for whom she made a difference.
The nation mourns the passing of this giant of American history and our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and the loved ones of this extraordinary woman. Men and women of every race and faith are heirs to the work, passion, and legacy of Dorothy Height.
From her earliest days as an activist, she fought for equality under the law for every American — recognizing that the battle for civil rights extended to African-Americans, women, and any one denied the chance to succeed because of who they are.
For four decades, she stood at the helm of the National Council of Negro Women, continuing the struggle for an America that lived up to the ideals of liberty and opportunity for all. In every fight, Dorothy Height turned the tides of history toward progress. Because of what she achieved, schools are no longer separate and non-equal, and the voting booth is open to all striving to participate in our democracy. Because of what she did, a steady job and a decent home are not limited to a person based on their background, color of their skin, or means.
Today, we live in an America that Dorothy Height helped to build — a nation defined by equality, shaped by civil rights, and driven by the pursuit of justice for all. The pledge we take every day: 'liberty and justice for all.' That's what Dorothy Height was about. I was very proud to join President Bush and House and Senate Democrats and Republicans in 2004, when we presented the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor Congress can bestow, on Dorothy Height — Dr. Dorothy Height.
At that time, President George W. Bush said: 'In the presence of Dorothy Height, you realize you are in the presence of grace. But you've got to realize that behind that grace, there is a will of steel and absolute determination.' The President went on to remind us all how Dorothy Height, and he quoted from her — well, later he quoted from her book, but then he went on to say how Dorothy Height always stressed the importance of institutions closest to us — our families, our churches, and our neighborhoods. He said: 'She understands that those institutions are important in shaping the character of an individual, and therefore, the character of our nation.' President Bush — the President of the United States, imagine? — even quoted Dorothy Height's memoir where she wrote: 'It is in the neighborhoods and the communities where the world begins. That is where children grow and families are developed, where people exercise the power to change their lives.' The President of the United States quoting Dorothy Height as we presented her with a Congressional Gold Medal.
It's important to note that with all of those honors it was also a pleasure for us to hear from Dr. Alexis Herman. She was the Secretary of Labor under President Clinton and Secretary Herman is very, very close personally and professionally and in every way to Dorothy Height and that time she sang her praises, talked about what she did in the civil rights movement, what she did to advance women and young girls and the rest. But she also talked about how she made the best sweet potato pie. So, personally, professionally, patriotically, Dorothy Height was all systems go.
I was passed a note because I was asking about a film that I recently saw on TV that I hope can be available now. It is called 'The Life and Surprising Times of Dorothy Height.' It is an inspirational presentation of the life of a person — a person who is instilled by her own mother with the idea that she could do whatever she set out to do and had a responsibility to do so. Over a lifetime, over Dorothy Height's lifetime, in the trenches for social justice, human rights, and equality, Dorothy Height advocated on behalf of our neighborhoods and our communities. She stood tall for our children and families, she truly exercised her power to change lives.
As we state in our resolution today, Dorothy Height was a tenacious and zealous civil rights activist, social worker, advocate, educator, and organizer in the quest for equality. And I join my colleague, Congresswoman Donna Edwards, in focusing on that equality for women as well.
I last saw Dorothy Height about a month ago at the 70th birthday party for John Lewis, our colleague. As others regaled us about stories of the civil rights movement — there she sat, dignified as a queen, reigning over the proceedings, one who had seen it all, seen the struggle, seen the change.
And recognized then by the Congress of the United States, and now, in her passing, by the entire nation. Our country is better off because of Dorothy Height's commitment, compassion, grace, and patriotism. We will miss her tenacity and zeal in the fight for equality — our nation's heritage and hope. We will each take inspiration from the story of progress and her countless victories for the American people.
Today, on the 51st anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising, we honor the many brave Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives fighting for freedom and the aspirations of the Tibetan people to live in peace.
51 years ago today, the people of Lhasa peacefully assembled and called for an end to harsh Chinese rule in Tibet. The ensuing crackdown was brutal, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama was forced into exile.
For more than five decades, Tibetans have waited for peaceful evolution and democratic reforms that would usher in a brighter future in China and Tibet. The dialogue continues between Tibetan envoys and Chinese officials, but there has not been any substantive progress. A negotiated agreement is essential and it would ensure internal stability in Tibet and bolster China's reputation in the world.
Meanwhile, the Chinese government has not won the hearts and minds of the Tibetan people and attempts to drive a wedge between the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people have been counterproductive for the Chinese government. Tibetans are as devoted to their beliefs as ever and the bond with His Holiness the Dalai Lama is unbreakable.
It is long past time for Beijing to work toward a solution that respects the human rights of all Tibetans.
President Obama is to be commended for his meeting with the Dalai Lama at the White House last month. The meeting marked another chapter in the long friendship and close ties between the United States and the people of Tibet. We will continue to stand with His Holiness to promote, preserve, and protect the rights of all people to live in freedom worldwide.
On the 51st anniversary of the Dalai Lama being forced into exile, we heed his transcendent message of peace, and we remember the people of Tibet in their ongoing struggle.
Today marks a historic chapter in the advancement toward equality, fairness and the protections that marriage affords for all families. As we welcome marriage equality to our nation's capital, I reiterate my longstanding commitment to home rule for the District of Columbia.
Today, the District joins other states in leading the nation in ensuring fundamental civil rights. This is a joyous moment that history will forever remember as progress.
I commend the President for meeting with His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, a champion of peace and non-violence, and a voice for dignity, justice, and respect for all humanity. His Holiness is a source of wisdom and compassion, a powerful spokesman for the moral duty and inherent worth of every person, and a force for human rights across the globe.
President Obama's meeting with the Dalai Lama marks another chapter in the long friendship and close ties between the United States and the people of Tibet. As Americans, we must continue to stand with His Holiness to promote, preserve, and protect the rights of all people to live in freedom worldwide.