Jul 10 2015

Graham, Menendez Introduce Bill to Strengthen, Expand Sanctions Against North Korea

Contact: Kevin Bishop (864) 250-1417 or Lorcan Connick (202) 224-5972

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Bob Menendez (R-New Jersey) today introduced the 2015 North Korea Sanctions Act that would strengthen and expand sanctions against the regime in North Korea and those who might wish to assist them.

“North Korea is a reckless, provocative regime that has the capacity to destabilize the world even more than they’re doing today,” said Sen. Graham. “Their capacity and desire to create upheaval, by spreading dangerous weapons throughout the world, must result in a higher price to be paid."

“The malicious actions and relentless pursuit of nuclear weaponry by North Korea must be prevented at every turn,” said Sen. Menendez. “This bipartisan legislation will strengthen the hand of the Administration to continue holding back the threat posed by the terrible regime in North Korea. We must utilize every tool at our disposal to prevent support from reaching the dictatorial regime and limit the ability of its leaders to enjoy any benefit of their brutal repression.”

The Senators introduced the bill following repeated violations of commitments by North Korea to end and dismantle its nuclear weapons development program and the perpetual brutal oppression on the vast majority of the North Korean people. Both Senators note that North Korea remains a significant threat to regional and global stability.


The 2015 North Korea Sanctions Act:

· Expands the ability of the Administration to sanction property and seize funds of the people or organizations that provide support to the regime.

· Expands the ability of the Administration to sanction support for cyber attacks or cyber vandalism.

· Enhances the ability of humanitarian organizations to provide life-saving assistance to reduce the suffering of the North Korean people.

Full text of the 2015 North Korea Sanctions Act can be seen here.

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