More to Dalai Lama's US Visit Than a Knee Surgery?

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama left for Delhi from Dharamsala on June 21st, on his way to the United States for knee surgery. He is likely to be in the United States on his 89th birthday on July 6th. The buzz is that the foremost Tibetan spiritual leader is also likely to be felicitated by the US House of Representatives during his trip. The announcement about his visit comes soon after a high-powered delegation met him at Dharamshala. So, is there more to the Dalai Lama's US visit than a knee surgery?