Press Releases

Today, U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA) celebrated the President's signature of a bill he authored and introduced in the House of Representatives: H.R. 1872, the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act.

The bill denies Chinese government officials access to the United States if they are responsible for creating or implementing restrictions on American government officials, journalists, independent observers and tourists seeking access to Tibet.

“I’m glad that the President signed our bill, the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act, into law. For too long, China has covered up their human rights violations in Tibet by restricting travel. But actions have consequences, and today, we are one step closer to holding the Chinese officials who implement these restrictions accountable,” said Congressman McGovern. “I look forward to watching closely as our law is implemented, and continuing to stand with the people of Tibet in their struggle for religious and cultural freedom.”

The bill includes a national security waiver, and would require the Secretary of State to submit an assessment to Congress of the level of access to Tibet granted to American government officials, journalists, and tourists by Chinese officials. If the secretary determines that there are restrictions on travel to Tibet, the appropriate Chinese officials will be ineligible to enter the United States.