U.S. Senators John Curtis of Utah and Jacky Rosen of Nevada sent a letter on Mar. 23 congratulating Riley Barnes on his appointment as Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, while urging him to focus on advancing U.S. policy toward Tibet.
The Senators’ call comes as the United States continues its bipartisan support for human rights and democratic freedoms in Tibet, highlighting the importance of ongoing engagement with both Congress and the Administration on these issues.
In their letter, Curtis and Rosen asked Barnes—who also serves as Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor—to work closely with Congress “to promote Sino-Tibetan dialogue, support the people of Tibet no matter where they reside, and counter Chinese malign influence.” The position of Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues was created by the Tibetan Policy Act in 2002 to coordinate government policies related to Tibet.
“We congratulate you on your appointment as the U.S. State Department Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. This position has long reflected bipartisan and unwavering U.S. support for the Tibetan people’s ongoing struggle for human rights and democratic freedoms—consistent with American values, universal human rights standards, and protecting U.S. interests from the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) influence,” wrote Curtis and Rosen. “We know what is possible when the Administration and Congress work together to promote America’s interests regarding Tibet. We look forward to working with you as Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues to implement these laws and appropriations provided by Congress, to advance a renewed and reinvigorated push to peacefully resolve the dispute over Tibet’s future, and to continue the U.S. government’s unwavering support for our Tibetan allies.”
Curtis represents Utah in the Senate after serving two terms as mayor of Provo according to his official website. He is known among Republicans as one of their most effective members according to his official website, having founded the Conservative Climate Caucus according to his official website.
In addition, Curtis advocates conservative environmental solutions while supporting small businesses through legislative efforts addressing public land management and human trafficking according to his official website. He raises six children along with seventeen grandchildren alongside his wife Sue according to his official website.
Observers expect continued collaboration between Congress members like Curtis—who has emphasized sustainable practices—and administration officials such as Barnes in shaping future U.S.-Tibet relations.
