North Korea can Hit the U.S.

In response to reports that North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile that landed in the waters just off the coast of Japan, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY, 12th), who is an original cosponsor of the bipartisan Leverage to Enhance Effective Diplomacy Act of 2017 (HR 4027), released the following statement:

“This latest missile launch makes clear that North Korea is not feeling enough pressure to halt its development of nuclear and ballistic missiles. We need to double down on our efforts to bring North Korea to the negotiating table, while working with our allies in the region to levy all international sanctions – including cutting off oil exports to North Korea.

“The bipartisan Leverage to Enhance Effective Diplomacy Act of 2017 would strengthen our ability to block financial transactions between North Korea and those who continue to conduct prohibited business with that regime. U.S. military personnel and Korean leaders made clear in our meetings this summer that toughening sanctions enforcement against North Korea is a key step toward starting productive talks about denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula. We need to use all diplomatic resources available to us to stabilize the region and defend our allies.”

Rep. Maloney joined Reps. Ann Wagner (R-MO) and Mike Gallagher (R-WI) to introduce HR 4027, the Leverage to Enhance Effective Diplomacy Act of 2017. The Senate companion was introduced by Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA).

This summer, Congresswoman Maloney joined Senator Markey’s Congressional delegation with Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Rep. Ann Wagner (MO-02) to Korea, Japan and China. After returning from this trip, she and Rep. Wagner hosted a bipartisan roundtable with Republic of Korea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Kyung-wha. Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi joined the bipartisan meeting.

Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH, 13th) released the following statement:

“North Korea has now successfully tested a missile that can hit anywhere in United States. Clearly, they are not intimidated by President Trump’s threats or boasts. America is less safe and more vulnerable to North Korea than the day President Trump took office. The President’s strategy -- if he even has one -- is not working. Foreign policy is not conducted on Twitter. Our allies need to know they can count on clear, level-headed American leadership. Laying out and executing a firm diplomatic strategy for North Korea is vital to assuring America and our allies that they can trust our steady hand.”