Washington, Aug. 11 -- The US Senate introduced the Assuring the Future of Tibet Act (AFTA), seeking to strengthen Washington's engagement with the Tibetan people and their democratically elected leadership, while supporting their right to self-determination.

The legislation, introduced by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Jim Risch (R-ID), has been co-sponsored by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Todd Young (R-IN), Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Rick Scott (R-FL).

The Senate bill is the companion legislation to the Assuring the Future of Tibet Act, introduced in the House of Representatives in May by Representatives Jim McGovern (D-MA) and Michael McCaul (R-TX).

Ryan Firessi, Executive Director of the International Campaign for Tibet, welcomed the i...