WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) joined 418 of his colleagues in a bi-partisan vote to expand sanctions against North Korea and individuals and entities engaged in commerce, weapons activities, and human rights abuses with the country. He released the following statement after passage of H.R.1644, the Korean Interdiction and Modernization of Sanctions Act, as amended:

“There’s no question that North Korea poses a threat to the United States and the international community as a whole, and combatting these threats requires strong action and leadership,” said. Rep. Scott. “Today, the House sent a clear message that the United States is committed to tackling these threats head-on and penalizing those who seek to support the actions of North Korea.”

Highlights of today’s legislation include:

• Foreign Assistance: Allowing the President to withhold foreign assistance from countries providing or receiving weapons to and from North Korea;
• Report on Iran: Requiring an annual report from the President to Congress on cooperation between North Korea and Iran regarding chemical, nuclear, biological, and ballistic weapons systems;
• Human Rights Sanctions: Imposing sanctions on individuals or entities involved in forced labor in North Korea; and
• Report on Terrorism: Requiring the Secretary of State to submit to Congress a determination as to whether or not North Korea meets the criteria for designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.

In February, Rep. Scott was appointed to the House Armed Services Committee’s Emerging Threats and Capabilities (ETC) Subcommittee for the 115^th Congress, which oversees counter-terrorism programs, U.S. Special Operations Forces, and makes sure our nation is protected against terrorist attacks and unconventional threats. Rep. Scott also serves on the Readiness Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over training, sustainment, military construction, depot policy, civilian personnel, and the BRAC process, as well as the Oversight and Investigation Subcommittee, which investigates cases of waste, fraud, and abuse within the Department of Defense.

-30-