Authorizing the use of the rotunda and grounds of the Capitol for a ceremony to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 196, which authorizes the use of the Rotunda grounds of the Capitol for a ceremony to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama. I would like to thank Congressman Brady for introducing this bill to honor such an inspirational and charismatic person who has touched the lives of millions around the world.

The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest expression of national appreciation for exceptional service and for lifetime contributions. The medal has been awarded to individuals from all walks of life. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, Pope John Paul II, the Navajo Code Talkers, Rosa Parks, Frank Sinatra, and Elie Wiesel are among those who have been honored. The Dalai Lama is well qualified to join the list of individuals who have received this most distinguished of honors.

Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, is recognized in the United States and throughout the world as a leading figure of moral and religious authority. He is the unrivaled spiritual and cultural leader of the Tibetan people, and has used his leadership to promote democracy, freedom, and peace for the Tibetan people through a negotiated settlement of the Tibet issue, based on autonomy within the People's Republic of China.

This Dalai Lama has led the effort to preserve the rich cultural, religious, and linguistic heritage of the Tibetan people and to promote the safeguarding of other endangered cultures throughout the world.

For his efforts on behalf of humanity, this Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. His efforts to promote peace and non- violence around the globe, and to find democratic reconciliation for the Tibetan people through his ``Middle Way'' approach, has won him world-wide acclaim.

This Dalai Lama has significantly advanced the goal of greater understanding, tolerance, harmony, and respect among the different religious faiths of the world through interfaith dialogue and outreach to other religious leaders and, perhaps most important, he has used his moral authority to promote the concept of universal responsibility as a guiding tenet for how human beings should treat one another and the planet we share.

For these reasons, I strongly support H. Con. Res. 196 and urge my colleagues to join me in voting to authorize the use of the Rotunda grounds of the Capitol for a ceremony to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H. Con. Res. 196, just received from the House and at the desk.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the concurrent resolution be agreed to and the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, without intervening action or debate.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to discharge the Committee on House Administration and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure from further consideration of House Concurrent Resolution 196, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on H. Con. Res. 196.