PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Became Public Law No: 118-70.
Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Jul 12, 2024
Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act
This act addresses issues relating to Tibet, including by establishing a statutory definition of Tibet that includes areas in Chinese provinces outside the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR).
For the purposes of a federal law concerning U.S. policies and activities relating to Tibet, this act defines Tibet to include the TAR and the Tibetan areas of the Qinghai, Sichuan, Gansu, and Yunnan provinces. (Generally, when China's government refers to Tibet, it means only the TAR, but it recognizes the areas included in this act's definition as Tibetan. China's government formally established the TAR in 1965.)
Furthermore, the duties of the Office of the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues shall include working with relevant bureaus in the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development to ensure that U.S. government statements and documents counter, as appropriate, disinformation about Tibet by China's government and the Chinese Communist Party, including disinformation about Tibet's history and institutions.
People & committees
Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR] · D–OR
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 118-70.
Became Public Law No: 118-70.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 391 - 26 (Roll no. 252). (text: 6/11/2024 CR H3701-3702)
House roll call 252 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 391 - 26 (Roll no. 252). (text: 6/11/2024 CR H3701-3702)
House roll call 252 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3738-3739)
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 138.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3701-3704)
Mr. McCaul moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Held at the desk.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3898-3899; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S3898)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3898-3899; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S3898)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 367.
Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Cardin with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Cardin with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: May 27, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze S.138 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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