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The House of Representatives passed H.R. 757, the North Korea Sanctions Enforcement Act of 2016, sponsored by Rep. Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA), co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Korea. The legislation included two of Connolly’s amendments, one to provide for the reunification of Korean families separated by the 38^th Parallel, and another to ensure that U.S. policy towards North Korea is informed by the recommendations made in the landmark Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in North Korea conducted by the United Nations.

“This is timely, if not overdue, consideration of this bill. North Korea is a reckless, paranoid state devoid of basic human autonomy for its citizens and now armed with a nuclear umbrella,” said Connolly. “That makes the Korean Peninsula one of the most dangerous flashpoints in the globe. There have been recent developments in the North Korea saga that are profoundly troubling and deserve an immediate response from Congress.”

“Reports that North Korea has conducted its fourth nuclear weapons test confirm that the regime in Pyongyang is committed to defying international norms and willingly risk destabilizing the Asia-Pacific region,” Connolly said. “It is a specter that looms over 75 million Koreans and, for their sake and that of the region, the U.S., the Republic of Korea, China and other regional stakeholders must demonstrate a commitment to addressing this threat.”

Speaking about the victims of this ongoing conflict, Connolly added, “Amidst the tense geopolitical standoffs and irresponsible actions of North Korea, we must always remember the human cost of this enduring conflict. I believe this legislation – through these amendments and important exceptions to sanctions for humanitarian relief organizations – is careful to do just that.”

The legislation passed the House by a vote of 418 to 2. Connolly’s full floor remarks follow.

Floor Statement

H.R. 757, North Korea Sanctions Enforcement Act of 2015

Submitted by Mr. Connolly of Virginia

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the North Korea Sanctions Enforcement Act of 2015.

I want to thank the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee for their leadership on this legislation and for working collaboratively when this legislation was marked up in Committee.

I especially appreciate the inclusion of two of my amendments – one to provide for the reunification of Korean families separated by the 38^th Parallel, and another to ensure that U.S. policy towards North Korea is informed by the recommendations made in the landmark Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in North Korea conducted by the United Nations.

Amidst the tense geopolitical standoffs and irresponsible actions of North Korea, we must always remember the human cost of this enduring conflict, and I believe this legislation – through these amendments and important exceptions to sanctions for humanitarian relief organizations – is careful to do just that. 

This is timely, if not overdue, consideration of this bill. North Korea is a reckless, paranoid state devoid of basic human autonomy for its citizens and now armed with a nuclear umbrella. That makes the Korean Peninsula one of the most dangerous flashpoints in the globe.

There have been recent developments in the North Korea saga that are profoundly troubling and deserve an immediate response from Congress.

Reports that North Korea has conducted its fourth nuclear weapons test confirm that the regime in Pyongyang is committed to defying international norms and willingly risk destabilizing the Asia-Pacific region.

As a co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Korea, I remain deeply concerned with the volatility and ever-present potential of conflict on the Korean Peninsula.

It is a specter that looms over 75 million Koreans and, for their sake and that of the region, the U.S., the Republic of Korea, China and other regional stakeholders must demonstrate commitment to addressing this threat.

By targeting the individuals and entities that support the Kim regime through illicit activities, this bill will hopefully help weaken the resolve and capability of Pyongyang to endanger regional stability.

I ask that my colleagues support this legislation in the interest of a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Mr. Speaker, with that, I yield back.