Washington, D.C. – The House of Representatives passed two measures this evening to counter North Korea’s belligerent actions.  Specifically, H.R. 479, introduced by Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX), urges the State Department to designate North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism and H. Res. 92, introduced by Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC), condemns North Korea’s development of ICBMs.  Both measures passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously last week.

Following House passage of the North Korea measures, Chairman Royce said: “The North Korean threat is urgent and real.  Experts predict North Korea will be able to hit the U.S. with an ICBM in less than four years.  Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un is taking aggressive steps to make North Korea a fully armed nuclear state. 

“There is no question that North Korea’s support for terrorism has advanced right alongside its sophisticated weapons program.  Just look at the recent news of the assassination of Kim Jong Un’s half-brother.  It is time for us to ramp up the pressure.  That is why I am supporting these measures today, which urge the State Department to re-list North Korea as a state sponsor of terror and condemn North Korea’s development of an ICBM.  By passing these measures, we are taking important steps to push back against North Korea’s dangerous ambitions.”

The House also passed H. Res. 54, introduced by Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ), which reaffirms the United States-Argentina partnership and recognizes Argentina’s economic reforms.

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