<![CDATA[
– Submitted by the office of Representative Rick Larsen
Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today voted in favor of increasing sanctions against North Korea, following the government’s nuclear test earlier this month. The North Korea Sanctions Enforcement Act (H.R. 757) is designed to put additional pressure on North Korea’s nuclear program, as well as call out the government for its human rights abuses.
“The North Korean government has refused to participate in normal diplomatic relations, it has deepened the isolation of its people from the rest of the world since 2012, and it has unlawfully detained Americans in recent years. It also continues to threaten the world with its nuclear program. The U.S. should cut ties with any person or organization that aids North Korea’s nuclear program and human rights abuses.
“This bill rightly puts more pressure on the North Korean government by improving U.S. inspections of ships and planes coming into our country that may have ties to North Korea. Goods from North Korea are not welcome in the U.S. marketplace as long as the country continues to defy nuclear treaties and international human rights standards.
“While I am not optimistic, if the North Korean government decides to end its nuclear program and commits to improving the treatment of its people, this bill leaves the door open for easing the sanctions,” Larsen said.
]]>
