Corker Statement on North Korea Nuclear Test

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after reports of a nuclear test by North Korea, the fifth conducted by the regime in the past decade.

“Words alone from the Obama administration, China, and the United Nations Security Council will not stop the North Korea nuclear threat,” said Corker. “Earlier this year, with bipartisan support, Congress passed the strongest North Korea sanctions legislation to date, yet the administration has barely scratched the surface when it comes to using all of the tools at its disposal to push back against their illicit behavior. While other steps may be necessary, unless the United States, China and the United Nations Security Council are willing to immediately begin stepping up strong enforcement of the sanctions regime already in place, North Korea will ultimately achieve its goal of becoming a full-fledged nuclear power.”

On February 10, the Senate unanimously passed the North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act of 2016 following a day of legislative floor action led by Corker. To date, no Chinese entities or individuals have been sanctioned under the new authorities provided by Congress. Click here for more information on the bill, which was developed by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

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