Showing posts with label North Korea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label North Korea. Show all posts

Monday, November 12, 2018

North Korea May be Continuing Ballistic Missile Program



Washington, D.C. - October 23, 2018 - (The Ponder News) -- Senator Edward J.Markey (D-MA), Ranking Member of the East Asia Subcommittee of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after a new New York Times report reveals that North Korea may be continuing to expand its ballistic missile program. At a July 25 Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Senator Markey to “fear not” when the Senator expressed serious concerns that President Donald Trump was being fooled by North Korea.

“President Trump is getting played by Kim Jong Un,” said Senator Markey. “We cannot have another summit with North Korea — not with President Trump, not with the Secretary of State — unless and until the Kim regime takes concrete, tangible actions to halt and roll back its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. Without these verifiable steps, we can only assume that Kim Jong Un is not serious about denuclearization, only serious about stringing along a gullible American president.”

Thursday, February 15, 2018

Housing, Shooting, Opioid, Medicaid, Retirement, Tax Reform, White House Security, Dreamers, Farmers, China, Budget, STEM, Infrastructure, Veterans, North Korea

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News from the Lawmakers



Reed Lauds Independent Effort by Federal Housing Finance Agency Director to Preserve Needed Funding Program for Affordable Rental Housing
Senator Jack Reed (D - RI)
February 14, 2018
I thank the Federal Housing Finance Agency for exercising its independent authority pursuant to the 2008 Housing and Economic Recovery Act to continue funding the Housing Trust Fund and Capital Magnet Fund.

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Rubio Statement on Broward County School Shooting
Senator Marco Rubio (R - FL)
February 14, 2018
“A mass shooting at one of Florida’s schools is a day you pray will never come. Jeanette and I are devastated and saddened by today’s inexplicable tragedy at Broward County’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. We join millions of Americans in praying for the victims, their families and all the students and teachers impacted by today’s events. We are grateful to the emergency responders, law enforcement officials, nurses and doctors who assisted the victims of today’s tragedy. Over the next few hours and days we will learn more about why and how this killer carried out this carnage. My office and I remain ready to assist state and local officials and anyone impacted by this horrible tragedy.”

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RASKIN, NADLER LEAD JUDICIARY DEMOCRATS IN DEMANDING REAL HEARINGS ON OPIOID CRISIS
Jamie Raskin (D-MD, 8th)
February 14, 2018
Ahead of House Judiciary Republicans’ politically divisive Immigration and Border Security Subcommittee hearing entitled “The Effect of Sanctuary City Policies on the Ability to Combat the Opioid Epidemic,” House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Vice Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-MD), and eight other House Judiciary Democrats sent a letter to Chairman Bob Goodlatte, urging him to hold a real hearing to appropriately examine the ongoing opioid epidemic in America.

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REP. RASKIN URGES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO RECONSIDER UNLAWFUL MEDICAID WORK REQUIREMENTS
Jamie Raskin (D-MD, 8th)
February 14, 2018
Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) sent a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Alex Azar today expressing his opposition to the Trump Administration’s actions that will allow, for the first time in the history of the Medicaid program, a work requirement as a condition of coverage. Rep. Raskin is deeply concerned that linking health coverage to a work requirement will undermine access to health care, and contradict the plain text and purpose of the law. Raskin joined 172 members on the letter to Azar.

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Roe, Norcross Introduce Bipartisan GROW Act to Give Retirement Options to Workers
Phil Roe (R-TN, 1st)
February 14, 2018
The bipartisan GROW Act will safeguard the multiemployer pension plan system by authorizing the creation of a new type of retirement option that combines the key features of defined benefit and defined contribution plans.

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Report from Washington: Bigger Paychecks and Bonuses Across East Alabama
Mike Rogers (R-AL, 3rd)
February 14, 2018
After over 30 years of working under an outdated tax code, local businesses and folks across East Alabama and the entire country, are feeling the benefits of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

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Rokita Introduces CRUMBS Act, Maximizing Tax Reform Bonuses
Todd Rokita (R-IN, 4th)
February 14, 2018
Congressman Todd Rokita introduced the "Creating Real and Useful Middle-Class Benefits and Savings" (CRUMBS) Act to make bonuses received in 2018 tax-free up to $2,500 to help lower and middle-class families. The legislation follows the passage of President Trump's tax reform, which has led to millions of Americans receiving bonuses, pay raises, and increased benefits.

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RUPPERSBERGER QUESTIONS DNI ON WHITE HOUSE SECURITY CLEARANCES
Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD, 2nd)
February 14, 2018
Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger today questioned why advisers to President Trump without full security clearances have been given access to highly classified documents. The former Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee and Member of the Gang of Eight sent a letter to Director Of National Intelligence Dan Coats to get answers.

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Reed: Trump Broke Protections for Dreamers, Time for U.S. Senate to Fix It
Senator Jack Reed (D - RI)
February 13, 2018
U.S. Senator Jack Reed is urging his Senate colleagues to come together and pass the bipartisan DREAM Act, which would allow young immigrants who have worked, studied, and served in the Armed Forces to earn lawful permanent residence and provide them with a path to American citizenship. These young people, known as Dreamers, were brought here through no fault of their own, have lived in America since they were children, built their lives here, and are American in every way except for their immigration status.

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Fair Agricultural Reporting Method (FARM) Act Introduced in the Senate
Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD)
February 13, 2018
U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, along with seven of his Senate colleagues introduced the Fair Agricultural Reporting Method (FARM) Act. The bipartisan bill would protect farmers, ranchers and livestock markets from burdensome Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reporting requirements for animal waste emissions. These requirements were not intended to affect animal agriculture and instead were meant to address dangerous industrial pollution, chemical plant explosions and the release of hazardous materials into the environment.

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VIDEO: Rubio Raises Concerns About the Growing Threat Posed by China
Senator Marco Rubio (R - FL)
February 13, 2018
At a Senate Select Committee on Intelligence hearing today, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) highlighted the threat posed by China’s growing influence, including their long-term multi-faceted strategy to supplant the United States internationally, and raised these concerns with Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Dan Coats and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Michael Wray.

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House Passes Reichert Bill to Bring Tariff Relief to American Businesses
David G. Reichert (R-WA, 8th)
February 13, 2018
Representative Dave Reichert (R-WA) led debate on the House floor on H.R. 4979, a bill to extend the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and to make technical changes to the competitive need limitations provisions of the program. The bill passed the House by a vote of 400-2.

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Reichert Statement on President's FY 2019 Budget
David G. Reichert (R-WA, 8th)
February 13, 2018
“I am pleased that the President’s budget request highlights the need to strengthen our military, meet our nation’s infrastructure needs, address our national parks’ maintenance backlog, conduct life-saving medical research at the National Institutes of Health, and fight the opioid crisis," said Rep. Reichert.

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ROSEN’S BIPARTISAN STEM BILLS PASS THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Jacky Rosen (D-NV, 3rd)
February 13, 2018
Congresswoman Jacky Rosen (NV-03) announced that two bipartisan bills she introduced this Congress to improve STEM education unanimously passed the House of Representatives as one combined bill. The Building Blocks of STEM Act, H.R. 3397, directs the National Science Foundation to more equitably allocate funding for research in the Discovery Research PreK-12 (DRK-12) program to studies with a focus on early childhood. The Code Like a Girl Act, H.R. 3316, creates two National Science Foundation grants to research and fund computer science programs that encourage early childhood education in STEM for girls under the age of 11. The combined bill is now awaiting action in the U.S. Senate.

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RUPPERSBERGER, HULTGREN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LEGISLATION
Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD, 2nd)
February 13, 2018
U.S. Representatives Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger and Randy Hultgren introduced legislation to help state and local governments take advantage of low interest rates to build essential infrastructure projects. The bill restores the tax exemption for advance refunding bonds that was repealed by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed by Congress in December.

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Reed Warns President Trump’s Budget Would Be a Major Disaster for American People & U.S. Economy
Senator Jack Reed (D - RI)
February 12, 2018
This budget blueprint is a disaster. The Trump Administration is using the same phony accounting it did when it claimed that a $1.5 trillion tax bill would pay for itself or that Mexico would pay to build a border wall.

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Senators Urge VA to Reimburse Veterans for Their Emergency Treatment Claims Before Recent Court Decision
Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD)
February 12, 2018
U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, along with 11 of his Senate colleagues, today sent a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary David Shulkin to request that the VA reimburse veterans who were billed for emergency treatment at private hospitals.

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Rubio Statement on Trump Administration's Budget, Infrastructure Proposals
Senator Marco Rubio (R - FL)
February 12, 2018
"While it is Congress that funds the nation’s policy priorities, I am encouraged to see the President’s budget also support efforts to strengthen border security, combat the opioid epidemic, rebuild our military and improve health services for veterans.

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QUIGLEY STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT TRUMP'S FISCAL YEAR 2019 BUDGET
Mike Quigley (D-IL, 5th)
February 12, 2018
President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2019 budget proposal is as ludicrous as it is disturbing. After drastically increasing our unsustainable debt by adding $1.5 trillion in unpaid tax cuts for the wealthy, the president is doubling down on failed, far-right policies that slash Medicare, Medicaid, and a number of anti-poverty programs for the most vulnerable amongst us. With at least a half trillion in proposed cuts to Medicare and $250 billion stolen from Medicaid, President Trump has yet again turned his back on hardworking Americans and his dishonest pledge to preserve entitlement programs.

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Rep. Rice Statement on President Trump’s Infrastructure Plan
Tom Rice (R-SC, 7th)
February 12, 2018
In 1991, Congress designated I-73 as a high priority project. This morning, President Trump released his infrastructure framework that I believe will finally get this project off the ground. President Trump called on Congress to draft a comprehensive infrastructure bill that will stimulate at least $1.5 trillion in new investment over the next 10 years, shorten the process for approving projects, address unmet rural infrastructure needs, empower State and local authorities, and train the American workforce of the future. There are too many regulatory barriers preventing essential infrastructure projects from moving forward, a prime example being I-73. The permitting process for I-73 began in 2004, and due to the inefficient environmental review process we just received permits over the summer. I stand ready to work on legislation that will cut through this red tape and unleash economic prosperity through critical infrastructure investment. Delivering on the Administration’s legislative framework will help build a stronger America, and I intend to take this opportunity to invest in a stronger South Carolina.

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Rogers: Liberal Media Elite Glamorizing North Korea
Mike Rogers (R-AL, 3rd)
February 12, 2018
“What the liberal media elite like CNN and The New York Times has done is sickening to me. Her brother Kim Jong-un is a murderer and his regime in its brutality forces its people to live a Stone Age existence. He threatens the world with nuclear war, starves the people in his own country and tortured American student Otto Warmbier to the point that he passed away once he was returned to the United States. Kim Yo Jong is not only a part of that cruel family, but is a part of the brutal regime. Nothing should be romanticized about her as she is an enemy,” Rogers said.

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Congressman Rogers' Statement on President Trump's Proposed Budget for 2019
Harold Rogers (R-KY, 5th)
February 12, 2018
"President Trump’s proposed budget compliments the diligent work of the Bipartisan Budget Act, calling for much-needed boosts to funding for our nation’s military, border security, infrastructure, rural broadband expansion and efforts to combat the nation’s deadly opioid epidemic.

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ROSEN: TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S BUDGET PROPOSAL FAILS NEVADA’S WORKING FAMILIES
Jacky Rosen (D-NV, 3rd)
February 12, 2018
“Instead of investing in Nevada’s working families, this irresponsible and harmful budget proposal leaves them behind by slashing Medicaid and making deep cuts to Medicare and Social Security, all while adding trillions to our national deficit,” said Rosen. “This budget would rob hundreds of millions from the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act program, which helps fund our state’s education system, water authority, and projects that protect and maintain our public lands. It eliminates key programs, such as BrandUSA and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which play a vital role supporting Nevada’s economic growth. This budget would also waste millions in taxpayer dollars to try to revive Yucca Mountain, a dangerous and reckless project that would turn Nevada into a dumping ground for nuclear waste. I will continue to fight against this Administration’s efforts to dump nuclear waste in Nevada and work across the aisle on a spending plan that supports our state’s priorities and lifts up working families.”

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Rep. Roybal-Allard Statement on Homeland Security Budget
Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA, 40th)
February 12, 2018
“While I support some elements of the DHS budget request, I have strong objections to this budget’s significant increase in funding for interior immigration enforcement. Democrats will not support the continuation of ICE’s aggressive enforcement actions that have increasingly led to the arrest of individuals who pose no threat to our country or our communities, and who have called the United States home for many years or even decades. We should not be tearing these individuals away from their families and their communities. Furthermore, I believe any discussion of border security funding should be part of a larger discussion that includes protections for Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status recipients.”

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Congressman Tim Ryan Statement on President Trump's Budget Proposal
Tim Ryan (D-OH, 13th)
February 12, 2018
“Until just days ago, a Republican Congress and a Republican President spent the first four months of this fiscal year stumbling through five temporary funding bills, utterly failing the most basic duty of Congress – keeping the government open. The idea that the current majority party in the House could follow through on anything even resembling regular order as it relates to setting a budget for the Federal Government is laughable. The only function the President’s budget proposal serves is to remind us how completely out of whack his priorities are for the American people. He would add over $7 trillion dollars to the national deficit over the next decade -- $984 billion in the next year alone, and stick the middle class with the bill. It is a non-starter. I stand ready to get to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on a realistic budget that properly funds our defense and important programs families rely on,” said Congressman Ryan.

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Monday, February 5, 2018

Senators Sound Alarm Over South Korea Ambassador Vacancy, Warn Of Significant Risk Of Preemptive Strike Against North Korea

Source: Senator Martin Heinrich - (D - NM)



Washington, D.C. - February 5, 2018 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, led a group of 18 Senators, including Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-R.I.), expressing serious concerns over the continued absence of a U.S. Ambassador to South Korea and asked for justification on the reported removal from consideration of a highly qualified candidate, Dr. Victor Cha, for that position. The senators also warned against the potential consequences of a preemptive military strike on North Korea and the risks of miscalculation and retaliation.

In a letter to President Trump, the senators emphasized the urgent need for diplomatic leadership, stating, “The challenge posed by North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs is perhaps the most significant foreign policy challenge our nation has faced in decades. It is therefore shocking that the Administration – a full year into its term – has yet to formally nominate someone to be the ambassador, which is the highest-ranking U.S. government official in South Korea. It is equally disturbing that the individual being considered for this position, Dr. Victor Cha, who has extensive qualifications and experience, has been removed from consideration after receiving Agrément from South Korea.”

The senators outlined Dr. Cha’s extensive vetting and qualifications and raised concern with reports that the reason for Dr. Cha’s removal was his disagreement with a “bloody nose” strategy under consideration by the White House, and called for the Administration to provide clear reasoning and justification for his removal from consideration.

“Like many, we are deeply concerned about the potential consequences of a preemptive military strike on North Korea and the risks of miscalculation and retaliation. Ultimately, it is an enormous gamble to believe that a particular type of limited, preemptive strike will not be met with an escalatory response from Kim Jong Un and neither the United States nor our allies should take that step lightly,” continued the senators.

In a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on North Korea on January 30, 2018, each of the expert witnesses believed that such a “bloody nose” strategy carried extreme risks. Last month, Senator Heinrich sent a letter to Secretary of Defense James Mattisexpressing his deep concerns regarding the potential consequences of a preemptive military strike on North Korea and the risks of miscalculation and retaliation.

On January 30th, Dr. Victor Cha, posted an Op-Ed in the Washington Post arguing that “Giving North Korea a ‘bloody nose’ carries a huge risk to Americans.”

The letter was signed by U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Christopher Coons (D-Del.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jeffrey Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernard Sanders (I-Vt.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Christopher Murphy (D-Conn.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).

A copy of letter is available here and below.

President Donald Trump
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear President Trump:

We write to express our serious concerns regarding the continued absence of a U.S. Ambassador to South Korea and the reported removal from consideration of a highly qualified candidate, Dr. Victor Cha, for that position. We ask that you provide clear reasoning and justification for his removal from consideration.

The challenge posed by North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs is perhaps the most significant foreign policy challenge our nation has faced in decades. It is therefore shocking that the Administration – a full year into its term – has yet to formally nominate someone to be the ambassador, which is the highest-ranking U.S. government official in South Korea. It is equally disturbing that the individual being considered for this position, Dr. Victor Cha, who has extensive qualifications and experience, has been removed from consideration after receiving Agrément from South Korea.

We may or may not agree with Dr. Cha on every issue, and of course an administration is entitled to the nominees of its choosing, but it is our understanding that the White House conducted lengthy vetting, including security and financial background checks on Dr. Cha and that the Administration had formally notified Seoul of its intent to nominate Dr. Cha. According to reports, South Korean officials quickly approved Dr. Cha through its formal process and South Koreans lauded his potential nomination.

While we reserve our rights to provide advice and consent on ambassadorial nominations, it is our understanding that he is an eminently qualified individual to serve at a senior level in the U.S. Government. As you know, Dr. Cha previously served as director for Asian affairs on the National Security Council under the George W. Bush administration. Dr. Cha also served as the Deputy Head of Delegation for the United States at the Six Party Talks in Beijing. Currently, Dr. Cha is the Director of Asian Studies in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University and is also a Senior Adviser and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Despite Dr. Cha’s qualifications, it is being reported that Administration officials are asserting that the removal of Dr. Cha from consideration was based on a flag that was raised only after the lengthy background checks and other vetting that, typically, an individual under consideration for nomination undergoes prior to their name being submitted for the formal diplomatic process of Agrément. As a result, we respectfully request that you provide the justification for his removal from consideration.

According to some media reports, the real reason for Dr. Cha’s removal was his disagreement with a “bloody nose” strategy under consideration by the White House. Like many, we are deeply concerned about the potential consequences of a preemptive military strike on North Korea and the risks of miscalculation and retaliation. Ultimately, it is an enormous gamble to believe that a particular type of limited, preemptive strike will not be met with an escalatory response from Kim Jong Un and neither the United States nor our allies should take that step lightly. In a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on North Korea on January 30th, 2018, each of the expert witnesses believed that such a “bloody nose” strategy carried extreme risks. Moreover, without congressional authorization a preventative or preemptive U.S. military strike would lack either a Constitutional basis or legal authority.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are as high as they have ever been, and the Olympics are fast approaching. While we must always be ready to respond with decisive action to a North Korean provocation, it would be extremely irresponsible to instigate military conflict prior to exhausting every diplomatic option.

We request your immediate attention to ensure the United States has in place its highest-ranking diplomat to serve as Ambassador to South Korea. We urge you to nominate a qualified individual for this critical position as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Monday, December 4, 2017

Senators Call for Increased Missile Defense Technology


Washington, D.C. - December 4, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, sent a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee today supporting the development of new technologies for missile defense.

“…North Korean ballistic missiles will have the capability of striking the United States by the end of 2018 with a thermonuclear warhead. We greatly appreciate the robust $9.3 billion, which is $1.4 billion above the President’s request, in funding for missile defense to counter the growing threat,” the senators write.

The letter continues: “We support the overall supplemental request, and, in particular, the provision allocating funding for new missile defense technologies and urge the Appropriations Committee to designate $100 million for the rapid development and deployment of new kinetic Boost Phase missile defense technology. This is in line with the recently passed National Defense Authorization Act for 2018 which included a provision calling for the Department of Defense to develop such a Boost Phase Intercept system ‘as soon as practicable.’”

Read the full letter here.

See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

Friday, December 1, 2017

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.”

Monday, November 27, 2017

North Korea Designated State Sponsor of Terrorism Last Week

Washington, D.C. - November 27, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- North Korea has been designated a State Sponsor of Terrorism. Trump's announcement last week garnered support from Congress.

House Representative Lee Zeldin (R-NY, 1st) commented, “An increasingly rogue nation, North Korea has demonstrated a blatant disregard for international law and human life through its active pursuit of nuclear capabilities, support of assassinations on foreign soil, and other nefarious activities. We cannot afford to disregard the real and escalating threat North Korea poses to the United States and our allies around the world. The President’s redesignation of North Korea as a state sponsor of terror is critical to ensuring the U.S. has the resources it needs to apply effective diplomatic and economic pressure on Pyongyang that protects America's security at home and abroad.”

In 1988, North Korea was added to the state sponsors of terrorism list following the 1987 bombing of South Korean Air Flight 858, but was removed in 2008 amid nuclear negotiations by President George W. Bush. Since its removal, North Korea has launched cyber attacks against civilian targets, supported assassinations on foreign soil, sold arms to terrorist organizations, and consistently tested intercontinental ballistic missiles. This year, American student Otto Warmbier was brutally tortured at the hands of Kim Jong Un’s regime which resulted in Warmbier’s eventual death.

Ted Yoho (R-FL, 3rd) called the move "overdue", and stated, “North Korea’s consistent record of facilitating terror is beyond dispute, from the callous murder of American college student Otto Warmbier to the use of a banned chemical weapon to assassinate Kim’s half-brother to sales of arms to terrorist groups around the world.

“Duly labeling North Korea a State Sponsor of Terror will reiterate to the globe that Kim’s nefarious activities have no place in the civilized world, further discouraging intercourse with this dangerous regime. Thae Yong-ho, the highest-ranking North Korea defector in decades, told me during his testimony before the Foreign Affairs Committee that this redesignation will help keep up the pressure on Kim. I thank the administration for taking this important step.”

Jackie Walorski (R-IN, 2nd) voiced strong support for the designation, saying, "Congress will continue working with the administration to counter Kim Jong-un’s dangerous and destabilizing actions and to protect the safety and security of the American people.”

Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL, 27th), Chairman Emeritus of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, made the following statement after the announcement that North Korea will be redesignated as a state sponsor of terrorism:

“Ever since 2008, I have been adamant that North Korea should be redesignated as a state sponsor of terrorism. In addition to a host of illegal and belligerent acts against civilian targets worldwide, the Kim regime has directly supported terrorist groups as part of a destructive nexus with Iran and Syria. Redesignating North Korea provides the administration with important tools to increase pressure on the Kim regime and I commend the decision to put it back on the list where it belongs."

Ros-Lehtinen is the author of the North Korea Sanctions and Diplomatic Nonrecognition Act, introduced in previous Congresses beginning in 2009. Among other provisions, the bill detailed North Korean acts that can be defined as international terrorism and expressed the sense of Congress that North Korea should be redesignated as a state sponsor of terrorism.

"There is no question that North Korea has engaged in acts of terrorism endangering the United States and the security of our allies. I fully support President Trump declaring North Korea a state sponsor of terror and increasing sanctions against Pyongyang. North Korea must be held accountable for their actions, including the way they treat their own people,” stated House Representative Todd Rokita (R-IN, 4th).

“I commend President Trump’s decision to designate North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism. Under the reign of Kim Jong-un, North Korea’s provocative actions have only increased, and today’s designation to further isolate this rogue regime sends a strong message to our allies and adversaries that we take this threat seriously and will use every tool at our disposal to hold this tyrannical despot accountable,” said Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) chimed in with, "Nuclear-armed North Korea has a long history of cooperating with Iran’s terror-sponsoring regime on ballistic missiles, continues to commit egregious human rights violations against its own people, and is responsible for the recent death of American citizen Otto Warmbier. The United States and other countries, including China, must do everything in our power to end the Kim regime's growing nuclear and missile threats, and bring about a denuclearized Korean peninsula.”

Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) supported the decision, stating, “This designation will serve as an important tool to exert peaceful pressure on the North Korean regime. I will continue to press the State Department to explore all available options to hold this regime accountable for its actions and prevent their continued dangerous behavior.”

Under the recently-enacted Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, the State Department was required to inform Congress on whether North Korea meets the criteria as a state sponsor of terrorism. Portman led a bipartisan letter to the State Department on October 2 outlining the many destabilizing and terror-related acts taken by this rogue regime.

All of these reactions came from Republicans. As usual, when Trump does something right, the Democrats remain silent. God forbid they ever praise him for anything.

See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

Thursday, November 23, 2017

Inhofe Praises President's Action on North Korea

Washington, D.C. - November 23, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), made the following statement after President Trump declared North Korea a state sponsor of terrorism:

“By imposing the most substantial sanctions against the North Korean regime to date, the President has shown that his actions towards the regime speak far louder than the threats of Kim Jong Un—the United States is committed to stopping North Korea’s aggressive actions against America and our allies.

“I’ve been clear—North Korea is currently the most imminent threat facing the United States. The past eight years of ‘strategic patience’ have done nothing but enable a rogue regime to advance their nuclear and ballistic missile programs. As the President considers all economic, diplomatic and military options against North Korea, I will continue to fight for increased missile defense to protect American families and our allies around the world.”

Inhofe worked to include several provisions to support missile defense to the FY18 NDAA, which is currently awaiting the president’s signature. Some of the provisions include increasing funding to modernize the U.S. ground-based missile defense system and the procurement of 24 additional Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems.


See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

Friday, October 27, 2017

No Unconstitutional Strike Against North Korea Act of 2017 Introduced in the House

If this bill is passed, it will weaken our efficiency in dealing with national threats in a timely manner.
Call your congressman and tell him to vote NO on this bill!


Shop For Veteran Gifts Now To Support Veterans!

Washington, D.C. - October 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) helped lead more than 60 members of Congress in introducing bipartisan, bicameral legislation ensuring President Donald Trump seeks Congressional approval before attacking North Korea. The “No Unconstitutional Strike Against North Korea Act of 2017” requires the President to receive Congressional authorization to use funds for such a strike. Senator Markey introduced a companion bill in the Senate.

Upon introduction of the bill, Mr. Lieu said:

“Our Founders gave the greatest power they knew at the time – the power to declare war – solely and exclusively to Congress. Today, Congress is sending a crystal clear message to President Trump that no matter how many incendiary tweets he sends, we have not authorized the use of force against North Korea.

There are no good military options for North Korea. Before President Trump leads America down the uncertain and grisly path towards war, we owe it to our service members, the American people and our allies in Asia to have a thoughtful, deliberate plan of action for North Korea. As a Veteran, I am proud to join dozens of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers to ensure that the American people have a voice in whether we make the sobering decision to take military action. “

The introduction of this bill builds upon the Congressman’s efforts to stop the President from authorizing an unconstitutional strike against North Korea. Previously, the Congressman introduced “Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2016”, which would prohibit the President from launching a nuclear first strike without a declaration of war by Congress.

Thursday, October 26, 2017

House of Representatives Votes to Impose New Sanctions Against North Korea

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Washington, D.C. - October 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- On October 24, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3898, the Otto Warmbier North Korea Nuclear Sanctions Act. The Otto Warmbier Nuclear Sanctions Act, H.R. 3898, incurs strict penalties on any individual that facilitates transfers to North Korea through U.S. accounts or any foreign account that may touch the U.S. financial system.

Statements from House Representatives are below:

Andy Harris (R-MD, 1st)

“I commend my colleagues in Congress for passing the Otto Warmbier North Korea Nuclear Sanctions Act. Otto’s death was the result of abuse by his North Korean captors – one of countless atrocities committed by Kim Jong Un and his oppressive dictatorship. Congress can no longer stand idly by while North Korea starves its citizens, abuses its American prisoners, and builds a nuclear arsenal with the intention of attacking the United States.”

French Hill (R-AR, 2nd)

“We took action in the House Financial Services Committee to impose stronger sanctions on North Korea. We passed legislation out of the committee with a strong bipartisan vote that would incentivize stricter sanction enforcement by foreign countries and require regular reports on sanction implementation from the Department of the Treasury. The legislation also would impose economic restrictions on a number of North Korean and Chinese banks as well as trading corporations and individuals associated with those entities. It also would give the International Monetary Fund the ability to use its budget to assist member states with improving their capacity to prevent money laundering and terrorism finance.

“This legislation comes at an important time as the United States and the international community are taking significant actions against the North Korean regime and their many threats. This legislation adds to the actions the Administration and Congress have already taken to reign in this rogue nation.”




NORTH KOREA BALLISTIC MISSILE INVESTIGATIONS ACT Introduced in the House

Source: Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ, 5th)

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Washington, D.C. - October 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressmen Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Francis Rooney (FL-19) introduced the bi-partisan North Korea Ballistic Missile Investigations Act.

Said Congressman Gottheimer, “To be clear, North Korea’s illegal nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) programs and its cooperation with Russia, China, and Iran pose a grave threat to the United States and our allies on the Korean Peninsula, the region, and around the world. We must use every tool at our disposal - including maximum political, diplomatic, and financial pressure – to defuel Pyongyang and cut off Kim Jong-un’s access to this deadly propellant. This bipartisan, national security bill I'm introducing with my colleague, Rep. Francis Rooney, will ultimately help stop the flow of fuel and technology to North Korea from abroad."

Congressman Rooney stated, “It is beyond time to defuel Kim Jong-Un and his rogue regime in North Korea. As the Korean missile crisis escalates, the United States must consider new methods to stop the aggressive nuclear program.

“The North Korea Ballistic Missile Investigations Act will require the Director of National Intelligence and the Secretary of State to investigate whether North Korea is obtaining unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine (UDMH), or rocket fuel, engines, and parts from foreign countries. Reports suggest North Korea is using UDMH in their missile tests, and it is known that Russia and China are principal users of this fuel. These measures of accountability will further isolate the Kim regime by reducing its ability to receive foreign support, and de-escalate the threat of a missile attack on the United States.”

Last month, a bombshell report in the New York Times found that North Korea has acquired or produced the deadly fuel unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine (UDMH) -- known in Russia as “the devil’s venom” -- that is used to power intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of striking the continental United States. Reports also surfaced that North Korea tested a new solid fuel missile engine as recently as last week. This disturbing trend threatens the security of the region, especially when other international threats like Iran are involved.

Congressmen Rooney and Gottheimer introduced the bill in response to a New York Times report detailing North Korea’s use of UDMH and their possible procurement of the rocket fuel from Russia and China. The North Korea Ballistic Missile Investigations Act will:

Require the Director of National Intelligence and Secretary of State to investigate the Kim regime’s procurement of rocket fuel and engines from foreign entities

Require a report to Congress within 105 days on North Korea’s internal capabilities to produce the fuel and engines, and on Russia and China’s role in assisting the Kim regime

Require the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of State to submit recommendations on improved implementation of the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Program, which was established to combat proliferation, including foreign procurement of liquid propellant engines such as the ones used by North Korea

As a member of the House Committee on Financial Service’s Subcommittee on Terrorism and Illicit Finance, Rep. Gottheimer cosponsored the Otto Warmbier North Korea Nuclear Sanctions Act, which passed the House yesterday.

Rep. Rooney and members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee recently urged Secretary Tillerson to re-list North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Strong Sanctions On North Korea Encouraged in the House

Source: Ted Budd (R-NC, 13th)

Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Representative Ted Budd (R-NC) voted in favor of the Otto Warmbier North Korea Nuclear Sanctions Act. If signed into law, this legislation would subject the North Korean regime to the toughest sanctions package ever

“The United States has a long history of using its economic influence to advance an agenda that liberates the oppressed and promotes freedom for those in the darkest corners of the world, like North Korea,” said Rep. Budd.

“This legislation will help to put the brakes on the advancement of the North Korea’s nuclear weapon’s program. For too long, the regime has been able to use allies throughout the global financial system to bypass UN and US sanctions. This bill gives the international community a clear choice that they can conduct business with the United States, or with North Korea.”

Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) is one of nine Democrats to cosponsor the legislation and also supported the legislation earlier this month in the Financial Services Committee.

“These are some of the toughest sanctions ever brought forward by this body and I commend my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for supporting this bill,” said Congressman Delaney. “North Korea is a significant threat to our national security and to the security of our allies and to avoid a catastrophe, we must utilize every tool we have. As the world’s leading economy, we have tremendous leverage and we should make sure that North Korea lacks the resources to threaten the safety of the world. Unfortunately, that leverage in Asia has been significantly weakened by President Trump’s withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which would have led to domestic economic growth and strengthened our hand with China. I look forward to this legislation passing the Senate and being signed into law so that we can start cracking down on those that do business with North Korea.”

H.R. 3898 passed the Financial Services Committee on October 12, 2017 with unanimous bipartisan support (56-0). The legislation strengthens President Trump’s executive orders on North Korea by codifying into law presidential waiver authorities that provide for sanctions relief if North Korea takes meaningful steps to limit its development and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

The House Passes Barr’s North Korea Sanctions Bill

Source: Andy Barr (R-KY, 6th)

Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The House of Representatives today approved legislation introduced by Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) to impose the most far-reaching sanctions ever directed at North Korea. H.R. 3898, the Otto Warmbier North Korea Nuclear Sanctions Act was passed in the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, and was recently passed by the Financial Services Committee with a unanimous vote of 56-0.

“North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, illicit missile tests, and other aggressive actions represent a threat to the national security of the United States and the world,” said Congressman Barr. “The legislation passed by the House today would hold North Korea accountable by imposing the most far-reaching sanctions ever directed at Pyongyang, putting tremendous economic pressure on the Kim Jong-Un regime and its foreign enablers. In doing so, we can deny North Korea the financing it needs to fund its nuclear and missile programs.”

“Clearly, the status quo is not working to change North Korea’s hostile behavior. I appreciate the bipartisan support for my bill to change course and to give tougher sanctions on North Korea a chance to confront the Kim regime’s belligerence.”

The legislation is named in honor of Otto Warmbier, an American student who died after being returned to the United States in a coma after more than a year of being held by the North Korean regime.

Monday, October 16, 2017

Bill to Toughen North Korea Sanctions & Policy Introduced in the House

Source: Mike Gallagher (R-WI, 8th)

Washington, D.C. - October 16, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Mike Gallagher, along with Representatives Ann Wagner (R-MO) and Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) introduced the bipartisan Leverage to Enhance Effective Diplomacy Act of 2017.  This bipartisan bill would impose tougher sanctions and policies on North Korea as the U.S. continues working on a diplomatic solution to the threat of North Korea’s developing nuclear capabilities. The bill authorizes efforts to combat Pyongyang’s widespread human rights and labor trafficking abuses, and applies economic and diplomatic pressure to North Korea and those who enable it.

After the bill was introduced, Rep. Gallagher released the following quote:

“For more than twenty years, American foreign policy has failed to fundamentally change North Korean behavior. It is time that the United States change its approach to impose significant costs on actors that support and enable the Kim regime’s reckless aggression. The LEED Act takes an important step by making crystal clear that those who do business with Pyongyang will not be welcome to do business with America.”

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Gardner, Markey Introduce Expanded North Korea Policy and Sanctions Legislation

Washington, D.C. - October 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity, introduced comprehensive bipartisan legislation to economically and diplomatically pressure North Korea and its enablers, and authorize efforts to combat Pyongyang’s widespread human rights and labor trafficking abuses, to support and enhance efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the threat of North Korea’s accelerating development of nuclear weapons and the missiles that deliver them. The legislation titled, the Leverage to Enhance Effective Diplomacy Act of 2017, expands on sanctions legislation introduced earlier this year by Gardner and Markey.

“The Administration has taken positive steps in recent weeks to impose additional sanctions and working with governments to diplomatically isolate this heinous regime.” said Gardner. “Senator Markey and I are going to continue working in a bipartisan manner to give nations and companies a clear choice – do business with the United States or do business with North Korea. This legislation will give the Administration the needed additional tools to peacefully denuclearize the North Korean regime.”

“There is no military solution to the threat of a nuclear North Korea,” said Markey. “While the effort to economically and politically isolate North Korea will be essential for a diplomatic strategy to succeed, we must also recognize that pressure, without diplomatic engagement, will quickly become counterproductive. Our diplomatic strategy must combine economic pressure with talks to convince Kim Jong-un that the United States is not the threat he believes us to be and that he does not require nuclear weapons to survive.”

CORKER AIMS TO HAVE “BIGGEST IMPACT POSSIBLE” OVER NEXT 15 MONTHS

Chattanooga, TN - October 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- In an interview with Chuck Todd that aired on NBC’s “Meet the Press” today, U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a member of the Senate Budget Committee, discussed foreign policy, tax reform, and his decision not to seek reelection. Excerpts follow.

On his decision not to seek reelection:


“I told people that I couldn’t imagine serving more than two terms,” said Corker. “And Chuck, I’ve felt a total freedom since I’ve been here to be myself. To speak frankly, to work with the other side of the aisle. That’s obviously needed. I can count. I can do math… And so, I’ve never, ever, ever thought about electoral politics in what I’m doing… I’ve enjoyed the freedom of conducting myself as a businessperson who’s come to Washington to solve problems.”

“And now I’ve got 15 months of even more freedom, in many ways,” added Corker. “And I’m going to do everything I can to have the biggest impact possible.”

On whether he will support tax reform legislation that adds to the deficit:

“I'm willing to accept the realities of where we are, and that is that we have a policy base. In other words, taxes,” said Corker. “It's kind of like the doc fix. You know, we kept making up the fact that this was going to change. So, I'm willing to accept current policy, number one. I think that's rational. And I'm willing to accept a reasonable score on dynamic growth. A reasonable score on dynamic growth. [Joint Committee on Taxation] does those. There're some other groups that do it. But if it, if it looks like to me, Chuck, we’re adding one penny to the deficit, I am not going to be for it, OK? I’m sorry. It is the greatest threat to our nation. The greatest threat to our nation. And so, look, I voted against the NDAA the other day. That was a painful vote. I mean, you know, I support the military. They know that. But when you blow through even the president's budget and you use huge amounts of OCO, overseas contingency operations, to pay for it, I'm sorry, I'm opposed to that.”

“It's like, Chuck, we've entered a party atmosphere here,” added Corker. “You know, everybody was a fiscal hawk, kind of. Not really, but kind of up until the election. Now, it’s like there's a party going on up here, OK? Heck with revenue. Heck with the, you know, constraining spending. So yes, I will remain a deficit hawk until I leave here. And I'm looking so forward to this tax reform debate because the one thing that hasn't been discussed is the $4 trillion in base broadeners that have to occur for this to be successful. And every lobbyist in the world is going to be up here fighting those.”

On North Korea:

“I think that there’s more going on than meets the eye,” said Corker. “I think [Secretary] Tillerson understands that every intelligence agency we have says there's no amount of economic pressure you can put on North Korea to get them to stop this program because they view this as their survival… Should we step it up a little bit? The answer is absolutely yes. I mean, we should step it up. I mean, you know, we're moving to a place where we're going to end up with a binary choice soon.”

“I don't think we're cornering ourselves,” added Corker. “But if we don't ramp up the diplomatic side, it's possible that we end up cornered.”

On the performance of the administration:

“I’m not trying to be critical here, but some of the words have been left out,” said Corker. “What I said is he has not yet demonstrated some of the competence and some of the stability… And that we need for him to be successful. I mean, the country needs for him to be successful.”

“I think that General Kelly has brought in an air of discipline that has been transformative as far as how the White House operates,” added Corker. “I do think they did a great job with Texas and Florida during the hurricane(s). Very professional. I thought it took a lot of courage by the president to change his long held position about Afghanistan. So, I’m seeing changes.”

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Chabot Statement on Passage of the North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act

Source: House Representative Steve Chabot (R-OH, 1st)

Washington, D.C. - September 26, 2017  (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Steve Chabot (R-OH), senior Member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement on the overwhelmingly bipartisan passage of H.R. 2061, the North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2017.

“While the rogue regime in Pyongyang continues to threaten the world with its nuclear arsenal, the North Korean people are denied the most basic human rights,” said Chabot. “Public executions, trafficking, forced labor, and starvation plague many North Koreans who know no life outside of their borders. As technology continues to advance, so do our methods of spreading truth. H.R. 2061 modernizes U.S. technology efforts to inform North Koreans and advocate for freedom and democracy.”

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

U.N. Security Council Adopts of New Sanctions against North Korea

Source: United Nations Security Council
Source: House Representative Joaquin Castro (D-TX, 20th)

Washington, D.C. - September 12, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The UN Security Council has adopted new sanctions against North Korea. The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General welcomes the adoption of a new Security Council resolution in response to the sixth nuclear test by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). Maintaining unity in the Security Council is crucial in tackling security challenges on the Korean Peninsula and beyond.

This firm action by the Security Council sends a clear message that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea must comply fully with its international obligations. The Secretary-General urges the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to abide by the decisions of the Council and allow space for the resumption of dialogue, and calls upon all Member States to ensure the full implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions.

The Secretary-General has taken note of the Security Council’s desire for a peaceful, diplomatic and political solution to the situation, as well as its urging of further work to reduce tensions. He reaffirms his commitment to working with all parties to this end and to strengthening communication channels.

Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, issued the following statement after the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2375 to strengthen sanctions against North Korea:

“The adoption of these strengthened sanctions shows that there are still diplomatic avenues to pursue as the United States works with the global community to address North Korea’s development of nuclear weapons. We must capitalize on this moment of unanimous agreement and leverage these more comprehensive sanctions to pressure North Korea into ceasing its nuclear weapon and ballistic missile programs. This progress would allow us to forge a path towards negotiations with the Kim regime.”

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Monday, September 11, 2017

Van Hollen and Toomey Call for Swift Passage of BRINK Act

Source: Senator Patrick J.Toomey (R - PA)

Washington, D.C. - September 11, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The Senate Banking Committee held a hearing this week on North Korea, where U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) discussed the urgent need to pass the bipartisan BRINK Act. At the hearing, experts agreed that secondary financial sanctions and fines, such as mandated by the BRINK Act, are necessary to exert maximum pressure on Kim Jong Un and his enablers and would impose penalties against financial institutions that support the North Korean regime. The hearing occurred on the heels of a test of a possible hydrogen bomb by North Korea-underscoring the need to act.

"There is bipartisan agreement-echoed by expert testimony-that the rapidly escalating situation in North Korea demands quick action from Congress," said Senator Van Hollen. "We must expand and enforce sanctions against Kim Jong Un's regime-and the BRINK Act would to do just that. This bill will put sharp enforcement teeth behind United Nations sanctions and send a clear message to anyone who has any business dealings with North Korean entities-you can do business with them or you can do business with the United States, but you can't do business with both."

"North Korea's nuclear weapons program poses a grave threat to the U.S. and our allies. Yet, we have not imposed the toughest possible sanctions against North Korea," said Senator Toomey. "In addition, there is ample evidence that North Korea is extensively evading existing sanctions. That is why Senator Van Hollen and I have introduced the BRINK Act, legislation that would expand and enforce tough sanctions against financial institutions and firms that are providing illicit support to Kim Jong Un's regime."

You can watch Senator Van Hollen's remarks and Senator Toomey's remarks from the Banking hearing.

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Monday, September 4, 2017

Statement by the NATO Secretary General on North Korea

Source: North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

I strongly condemn that North Korea has conducted a sixth nuclear test today. This is yet another flagrant violation of multiple UN Security Council Resolutions, including UNSCR 2321 adopted in November 2016.

NATO is concerned by Pyongyang’s destabilising pattern of behaviour, which poses a threat to regional and international security.

The regime must immediately cease all existing nuclear and ballistic missile activities in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner, and re-engage in dialogue with the international community.

I urge North Korea to respect its international obligations, and to abandon all threats and actions which contribute to tension and insecurity.

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Thursday, August 31, 2017

Senators Push for Increased Sanctions on North Korea

Source: Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE)

Washington, D.C. - August 31, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- As North Korea continues its unacceptable provocations, U.S. Senators Ben Sasse (R-NE) and Joe Donnelly (D-IN) continue to push for increased sanctions on both North Korea and China designed to crack down on the rogue regime’s weapons program. Sasse and Donnelly sent a letter today to Senate Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Ranking Member Sherrod Brown (D-OH) outlining recent findings on North Korean sanctions and outlining key questions for future full committee hearings. Sasse and Donnelly serve as Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Banking Subcommittee on National Security and International Trade and Finance.

Building on a May subcommittee hearing, Sasse and Donnelly encouraged the Banking Committee to push the Administration on its options to expand sanctions and highlight the additional tools available to punish North Korea and those who assist in their illegal activity.

Sasse and Donnelly said in their letter, in part, “As you plan the Banking Committee’s schedule for the coming months, we welcome your consideration of a full committee hearing on sanctions against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)…On May 10, 2017, the Banking Subcommittee on National Security and International Trade and Finance held a hearing on ‘Secondary Sanctions against Chinese Institutions: Assessing Their Utility for Constraining North Korea.’

“…there is a strong consensus that the level of pressure necessary to get the Kim regime to the table, let alone reach an agreement, will be extraordinarily high and must be coupled with a full court diplomatic effort with our allies and with China directly to persuade China to engage more directly with the DPRK. It is our shared belief that the current multilateral sanctions may be insufficient to achieve this goal, even after the progress made at the United Nations in August. Continued U.S. engagement and leadership will therefore be critical in the months ahead and must include a comprehensive effort to ensure rigorous enforcement of all U.S. and multilateral sanctions.

“…Finally, and most importantly, our witnesses stressed that increasing sanctions pressure on the DPRK to the level necessary to force negotiations requires a deliberate, forceful, and coordinated diplomatic effort by the United States coupled with tough sanctions enforcement.”