Dharamshala: A pioneer and the longest-serving female senator, Senator Dianne Feinstein who served for 30 years in the U.S. Senate, has passed away on Friday at 90.
Joining the pouring of tributes from political leaders and lawmakers around the world, the Central Tibetan Administration’s Sikyong Penpa Tsering wrote to Katherine Feinstein, daughter of the deceased conveying his condolences.
Sikyong wrote, “I am writing to express our deepest condolences on the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein, a cherished friend of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and an extraordinary stateswoman whose legacy profoundly impacted the Tibetan people and our cause”.
“In September 1979, as the Mayor of San Francisco, Senator Feinstein extended the inaugural invitation to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, graciously welcoming him to San Francisco and extending upon him the key to the City. This historic invitation marked the first-ever visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the United States, a pivotal moment that fostered understanding and friendship between the people of Tibet and the United States”.
“Furthermore, Senator Feinstein played a pivotal role as a co-sponsor of the Senate resolution that authorized the Congressional Gold Medal, a recognition of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s profound contributions to humanity, peace, and mutual understanding. Additionally, her co- sponsorship of the Tibetan Policy Act represented a significant milestone, outlining, for the first time, the United States’ policy towards Tibet. Through this act, Senator Feinstein paved the way for robust U.S. policy initiatives on Tibet”.
“Senator Feinstein’s unwavering dedication and advocacy for our cause have left an indelible mark on the course of the Tibetan struggle. Once again, on behalf of the CTA and Tibetan people, we convey our deepest sympathies to Senator Feinstein’s family and her well-wishers worldwide. May they find strength and solace in the memories of her remarkable life and legacy”.
