June 15, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 155, Pt. 11 15083 and artistic heritage. Additionally, as part of b 1430 North Korea’s recent behavior is viewed as unacceptable; the U.S. effort to support the Italian people, CALLING ON NORTH KOREA TO the U.S. Department of State and the National Whereas, on February 20, 2009, Secretary of END HOSTILE RHETORIC AND State Hillary Clinton stated, in a joint press Italian American Foundation (NIAF) formed a ACTIVITY TOWARD SOUTH conference with the Republic of Korea’s For- public-private partnership to respond to the KOREA eign Minister Yu Myung-hwan, that the educational needs of the University of Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, United States and the Republic of Korea L’Aquila, and will strive to help the students maintain a joint resolve to bring about the I move to suspend the rules and agree and other human resource needs. The stu- complete and verifiable denuclearization of to the resolution (H. Res. 309) express- dents are key to the future of the region, and North Korea through the Six-Party Talks ing the sense of the House of Rep- the University is the economic lifeblood of the and that North Korea is not going to get a resentatives that North Korea should different relationship with the United States city of L’Aquila. It is therefore vital to help this immediately stop any hostile rhetoric while insulting and refusing dialogue with sector recover in this time of need. and activity towards the Republic of the Republic of Korea; The Abruzzo earthquake is a tragedy that Korea and engage in mutual dialogue Whereas for more than a year, North Korea has affected lives all over the world, the least to enhance inter-Korean relations, as has refused proposals from the Republic of we can do as a Congress, and as a nation, is Korea for mutual dialogue and also has re- amended. fused to fully implement the Six-Party to recognize those involved in this tragedy and The Clerk read the title of the resolu- agreements on denuclearization; those who are helping Italy to rebuild. We can- tion. Whereas, on April 5, 2009, North Korea not withhold this honor from those victims that The text of the resolution is as fol- launched a missile in clear violation of perished in the tragedy. As honored Members lows: United Nations Security Council Resolution of Congress, we have the opportunity to en- H. RES. 309 1718 prompting a statement by President sure that proper recognition is given to those Whereas North Korea’s nuclear tests and Obama condemning the launch; involved in the earthquake. missile activities, and their suspected pro- Whereas, on April 13, 2009, the United Na- liferation, are threatening peace and sta- tions Security Council adopted a Presi- I firmly believe that we must pass this legis- bility in Northeast Asia and beyond; dential Statement condemning the launch; lation in order to demonstrate our support of Whereas the North Korean leadership con- Whereas, on April 14, 2009, North Korea de- those people who lost their lives and those tinues to pursue its nuclear ambitions while clared that it would withdraw from the Six- people who lost their loved ones, and I urge up to 2,000,000 North Koreans reportedly Party Talks and resume its nuclear program, my colleagues to do the same. starved to death during the late 1990s and and subsequently expelled International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors at the Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the hundreds of thousands fled North Korea in search of freedom and food; Yongbyon facility; Italian-American delegation it is my pleasure Whereas, on October 18, 2004, H.R. 4011, the Whereas, on April 29, 2009, North Korea an- to offer my support of H. Res. 430—Express- North Korean Human Rights Act, became nounced that unless the United Nations Se- ing condolences to the citizens of Italy and Public Law 108–333, bringing attention to the curity Council promptly apologize for in- fringing the sovereignty of North Korea, and support for the Government of Italy in the human rights conditions in North Korea and withdraw resolutions and decisions adopted to provide United States support for North aftermath of the devastating earthquake that against North Korea, it would conduct nu- Korean refugees; struck the Abruzzo region of central Italy. clear tests and test-firings of interconti- Whereas, on October 9, 2006, North Korea nental ballistic missiles, and build a light As the son of Italian immigrants from detonated a nuclear explosive device prompt- water reactor plant and start the techno- Abruzzo, I am pleased my colleagues agreed ing the United Nations Security Council to logical development for ensuring self-produc- that we should stand behind Italians as they adopt military and economic sanctions tion of nuclear fuel; against North Korea through Resolution begin the process of rebuilding areas dam- Whereas, on May 25, 2009, North Korea an- 1718; aged by the earthquake. H. Res. 430 serves nounced that it has conducted a second nu- to reaffirm the deep ties between the United Whereas, on June 30, 2008, H.R. 2642, the clear test and in successive days, North States and Italy, and show the Italian people Supplemental Appropriations Act, became Korea has launched six short-range missiles Public Law 110–252, granting the President our nation’s support in their time of need. and threatened to abrogate the July 27, 1953, the authority to waive the Glenn Amend- armistice ending the Korean War; I hope the reconstruction efforts will be com- ment sanctions in order to facilitate North Whereas, on May 29, 2009, North Korea an- pleted quickly so the region’s cultural and ar- Korea’s denuclearization process and to pro- nounced that it would ‘‘take additional self- tistic heritage will be restored, while homes, vide heavy fuel oil energy assistance to defense measures’’ if the United Nations Se- businesses, and schools can be rebuilt. North Korea in support of the Six-Party curity Council takes any further actions Talks; against North Korea; Abruzzo is truly a beautiful region and I look Whereas, on October 7, 2008, the North Ko- forward to its revival. Whereas, on June 12, 2009, the United Na- rean Human Rights Reauthorization Act be- tions Security Council unanimously adopted Mr. BILIRAKIS. I yield back the bal- came Public Law 110–346; Resolution 1874, which condemns North ance of my time. Whereas, on October 11, 2008, North Korea Korea in the strongest terms, and imposes was removed from the United States list of stronger sanctions on North Korea by intro- Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, state sponsors of terrorism; I also yield back the balance of my ducing measures to conduct cargo inspec- Whereas, on October 15, 2008, the Naval tions, to restrict North Korea’s Weapons of time. Vessel Transfer Act became Public Law 110– Mass Destruction-related financial trans- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The 429 and included provisions to upgrade the actions, and to strengthen the arms embar- question is on the motion offered by Republic of Korea’s foreign military sales go; and status to that of ‘‘NATO plus three’’; the gentleman from American Samoa Whereas in face of serious security chal- Whereas, on January 30, 2009, North Korea lenges on the Korean Peninsula, including (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA) that the House announced that it would nullify all inter-Ko- the recent North Korean hostilities towards suspend the rules and agree to the reso- rean agreements that are in pursuit of put- the Republic of Korea, the alliance between lution, H. Res. 430, as amended. ting an end to the state of political and mili- the United States and the Republic of Korea The question was taken. tary confrontations and abrogate the agree- remains resilient and firm, based on shared ments on the Sea Demarcation Line, known values, mutual trust, and common interests: The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the as the ‘‘Northern Limit Line’’; Now, therefore, be it opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being Whereas, on February 3, 2009, President Resolved, That it is the sense of the House in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Barack Obama stated, in a call with the Re- of Representatives that— Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, public of Korea’s President Lee Myung-bak, (1) North Korea should immediately stop that recent events underscore the need for any hostile rhetoric and activity towards the on that I demand the yeas and nays. the United States and the Republic of Korea Republic of Korea and engage in mutual dia- The yeas and nays were ordered. to work together even more closely to logue to enhance inter-Korean relations; The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- achieve complete and verifiable (2) North Korea should fully implement the denuclearization of North Korea; Six-Party joint statement of September 19, ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Whereas, on February 10, 2009, Secretary of 2005, verifiably abandon all of its nuclear Chair’s prior announcement, further State Hillary Clinton stated that North weapons and existing nuclear programs, and proceedings on this motion will be Korea must understand that all of the coun- return to the Non-Proliferation Treaty at an postponed. tries in East Asia have made it clear that early date;

VerDate Mar 15 2010 13:28 Oct 13, 2011 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\H15JN9.000 H15JN9 erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD 15084 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 155, Pt. 11 June 15, 2009 (3) North Korea should comply with United captured, tried, and sentenced to 12 currency swap agreement was signed Nations Security Council Resolutions 1718 of years in prison for reform by hard between our two countries to stem the 2006 and 1874 of 2009; labor. liquidity issues in the global financial (4) the United States remains committed North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Il, markets. And through legislation to the promotion of inter-Korean dialogue and cooperation; and has let it be known that his 26-year-old passed by our Congress last September, (5) the strategic importance of the strong son, Kim Jong Un, will succeed him as Korea’s Foreign Military Sales status alliance between the United States and the he succeeded his own father. North Ko- was officially upgraded to the level of Republic of Korea, in promoting peace and rea’s communist leadership regime is NATO plus three. prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and in being solidified into a totalitarian, he- President Lee was also instrumental Northeast Asia, should be recognized. reditary, authoritarian regime. in arranging for the resumption of the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- These startling events have unques- importation of beef imports from the ant to the rule, the gentleman from tionably precipitated the necessity of a U.S. to Korea after diffusing a sensitive American Samoa (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA) unified congressional response to North political situation that temporarily and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Korea’s hostile acts, while also sending halted our imports of beef to South BILIRAKIS) each will control 20 min- a message of strong solidarity and sup- Korea. His determination to settle the utes. port for our close friend and ally, the beef issue underscores the important The Chair recognizes the gentleman Republic of Korea. commercial ties between Korea and the from American Samoa. Just last Friday, the United Nations United States. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, Security Council unanimously adopted Mr. Speaker, I wish to close my re- I yield myself such time as I may con- a resolution condemning ‘‘in the marks by offering a few thoughts on sume. strongest terms possible’’ North Ko- the importance of reaffirming our alli- Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support rea’s nuclear test, imposing new sanc- ance partnership with Korea. The his- of this resolution expressing the sense tions, demanding that the Democratic tory of relations between our two coun- of the House of Representatives that People’s Republic of Korea not conduct tries, which can be tracked back to a North Korea should immediately stop any further nuclear test or any launch treaty of friendship more than 25 years its hostile activities and instead return using ballistic missile technology, and ago, has been marked by consistency to dialogue. urging Pyongyang to come back to the and mutual solidarity between our two Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier of my Six-Party Talks without preconditions. nations. strong support of H. Res. 309, it is a House Resolution 309 before us today Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to thoughtful, timely, and relevant reso- will reinforce the Security Council’s support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of lution offered by my dear friend and message that Pyongyang’s recent ac- colleague, the gentleman from New my time. tions are unacceptable, and it will also Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield York (Mr. KING). I also wish to recog- reinforce a message President Obama myself such time as I may consume. nize the contributions and efforts of and Secretary of State Clinton both I rise in strong support of this resolu- my colleague, Mr. MEEKS, also from underscored regarding the strength of tion put forward in March by my good New York. He was the principal Demo- our alliance with South Korea. friend and Homeland Security ranking cratic lead cosponsor and is a member The administration and the inter- member, PETER KING, to show soli- of my Subcommittee on Asia, the Pa- national community have sent clear darity with our South Korean allies in cific and the Global Environment. messages to North Korea about its their hour of need. Its consideration is Mr. Speaker, this important and bi- provocations, and it is time that Con- timely; it is timed to coincide with to- partisan resolution shares, at its sub- gress also follows suit. morrow’s Washington summit meeting stantive core, three key principles. Mr. Speaker, our consideration of with the President of the Republic of First, it expresses a unified sense of the House Resolution 309 today is rendered Korea. Congress that North Korea should all the more relevant by the visit of North Korea is fast becoming a for- cease all hostile and destabilizing ac- President Lee Myung-bak to Wash- eign policy crisis spiraling out of con- tivity on the Korean Peninsula. Sec- ington. I understand that his incred- trol. In April, there was a long-range ond, it calls on North Korea to re- ibly busy schedule will include a sum- missile launch; in May, there was an- engage in dialogue with South Korea, mit with President Obama and meet- other underground nuclear test. Only 1 as well as with the Six-Party Talks. ings with Cabinet officials and the week ago, a Pyongyang kangaroo court And, third, it reaffirms our uncondi- House and Senate leadership. I was also took the provocative and morally rep- tional and unwavering commitment to made aware that President Lee will re- rehensible act of sentencing captured our alliance partnership with the Re- ceive the honorary doctorate degree U.S. citizen journalists Laura Ling and public of Korea. from George Washington University, Euna Lee to 12 years in a labor camp. As we are all aware, North Korea’s where he was a visiting scholar 10 North Korea also continues to hold a recent hostile activities have once years ago. South Korean citizen as a hostage. Our again brought world attention to the Mr. Speaker, it is always a special thoughts and prayers are with those fragile peace and tenuous security occasion when Korea’s President visits captives and their families. framework on the Korean Peninsula. In the United States, and I certainly The United Nations Security Council a span of less than 3 months, North would like to extend a sincere welcome has finally passed a resolution with Korea conducted another nuclear test, and best wishes to President Lee, some teeth. Unfortunately, U.N. Reso- launched several intercontinental bal- whom I had the honor of meeting with lution 1718, passed in 2006 after listic missiles, and suspended or nul- last year in Seoul. Pyongyang’s first nuclear test, was ig- lified all major inter-Korean agree- Mr. Speaker, for almost 11⁄2 years nored when North Korea returned to ments, including the armistice that now, since his inauguration last Feb- the negotiating table. has maintained peace between North ruary, President Lee has continually North Korea’s response to this latest and South Korea since 1953. emphasized the importance of a stra- U.N. resolution has been more bluster Even more alarming, Mr. Speaker, tegic alliance with the United States, and brinkmanship. The North Koreans North Korea removed IAEA inspectors and this has been manifested through revealed, to no one’s surprise, that at Yongbyon and announced that it several notable achievements. Most re- they have maintained a highly en- was restarting its plutonium produc- cently, South Korea joined the Pro- riched uranium program all along, in tion program with the ultimate aim of liferation Security Initiative aimed at addition to their plutonium program. weaponizing its nuclear material. preventing the spread of weapons of They now threaten the world with Meanwhile, amid the hostile mass destruction. In November of last more bombs and possible nuclear war. brinksmanship, two American journal- year, Korea formally acceded to the Earlier this month, Kim Jong Il sent ists, Euna Lee and Laura Ling, were Visa Waiver Program. In October, a a patrol boat into South Korean waters

VerDate Mar 15 2010 13:28 Oct 13, 2011 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\H15JN9.000 H15JN9 erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD June 15, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 155, Pt. 11 15085 to back up his threats made against has been step after step of aggressive tain delight in North Korea antago- our South Korean ally. Some are now action, provocative action, action nizing the United States. And also, convinced that there will be a future defying world opinion, defying resolu- they feel they can buy off North Korea military confrontation along the DMZ tions of the United Nations, and abso- with their food and energy, and they or in the Yellow Sea. And today, 28,500 lutely defying agreements that have don’t want refugees streaming across U.S. military personnel still stand been made with the Six Parties over their border. But this has now gone be- guard in South Korea, a country often the previous years. yond the stage where we are just talk- called ‘‘the last frontier of the Cold Mr. Speaker, President Clinton ing and sitting down; we are talking War.’’ reached out and tried to engage North about the very security of the United The ‘‘Dear Leader’’ is obviously test- Korea, President Bush obviously States being in danger here. ing the mettle of this President and reached out and tried to engage North So, Mr. Speaker, I urge the adoption this Congress. Kim Jong Il has re- Korea, began the Six-Party Talks, of this resolution. Yes, we have to con- sponded to the outstretched hand of made China a part of that process; and tinue constructive dialogue, we have to President Obama’s inaugural address yet at every stage, when it comes to engage, to the extent we can, with with missiles, nuclear bombs, the sei- weaponizing uranium, plutonium and North Korea; but the fact is that, as zure of American citizens, and a threat moving forward, North Korea has re- Mr. BILIRAKIS said, when the President of war. He is preparing to launch yet fused to respond in good faith. And reached out in good faith—President another long-range missile, one that when they do make a feeble attempt at Clinton, President Bush, and now could reportedly reach the United good faith, it is obviously a ploy, and President Obama have reached out in States and is likely to conduct yet an- they renege as soon as any concession good faith—the response to them has other underground nuclear test. is made by the United States or any of been an iron fist, it’s been missiles, it’s I say enough is enough. Now is the our allies. So, Mr. Speaker, I think it is been rockets, and it’s been weaponizing time for the consequences which our important that we send a message to of nuclear fissile material. current North Korean Special Envoy, the North Korean Government. b 1445 Stephen Bosworth, promised after the And let’s be clear about this. When April 5 missile launch. Last week, Sec- we are talking about the North Korean So rather than be caught short, rath- retary Clinton raised the re-listing of Government, we’re really talking er than our being victims of something North Korea as a state sponsor of ter- about an organized crime family which we should anticipate now, let us rorism as one possible consequence. masquerading as a state. Kim Jong Il stand together, and I certainly reach But a few days later, the House Rules defies every standard of decency that is out across the aisle so that all of us, as Committee refused to allow consider- built up in the community of nations. Republicans and Democrats and as ation of an amendment to the Foreign I think it is important to realize that, Americans, can stand with the Presi- Relations Authorization Act, offered especially when North Korea is con- dent as he goes forward, and hopefully by my good friend and ranking mem- trasted with the Republic of Korea, he will, to stand up to this really bla- ber, Representative ROS-LEHTINEN, which has become a model democracy tant aggression, I believe, by North which would have done just that. It is and it is such a strong and staunch ally Korea and send a message to Kim Jong unfortunate that Secretary Clinton of the United States. Il, whether it’s him or his son, no mat- would consider this, but not the House So as we go forward, Mr. Speaker, I ter who ends up controlling or calling leadership. think it is important for the President the shots in North Korea, that it will The time for hesitancy is over, Mr. and the Secretary of State to know be met by concerted action from the Speaker. America needs to respond to that Congress will stand behind them if United States. And also call on coun- North Korea. they have to take stronger action, if tries such as China to start doing what Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of they have to really lean back and push they should be doing, and to reassure my time. back against North Korea. I think ev- our allies such as Japan and Taiwan Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, erything should be on the table. The that the United States will do all it I reserve the balance of my time. fact is that we now have a situation can to prevent and stop North Korea Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield where, with going forward with its nu- from becoming a nuclear power. to the ranking member, Mr. KING from clear program, North Korea really puts I urge adoption of the resolution. New York, as much time as he may its neighbors in jeopardy, and perhaps Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, consume. soon after that Europe and the United I yield myself such time as I may con- Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, States, with their missile system, with sume. I thank the gentleman from Florida for the delivery system, with the nuclear I want to commend and thank my yielding. relationships. And I think everything good friend, the gentleman from New At the outset, let me thank Chair- should be on the table, including a very York for his sponsorship, again, of this man BERMAN and Ranking Member strong missile defense system. And we important resolution and certainly ROS-LEHTINEN for the support they should have an open debate, put par- thank him for his insights and under- have given me on this resolution and tisanship aside and stand together as standing of the current situation that for bringing it to the House floor. Also, Americans to confront what could be a we’re faced with as far as dealing with let me thank my colleague from New mortal danger to our allies and also North Korea. York (Mr. MEEKS) for being the prime causing the situation in Asia to spiral Mr. Speaker, the geopolitical situa- cosponsor of the bill and for his sup- out of control. I certainly think when tion now, the realities and the develop- port in pushing it forward. And of Japan sees what North Korea is doing, ment as a result of North Korea’s lat- course Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA, who does a as far as advancing its nuclear pro- est activities now, makes it absolutely truly outstanding job as chairman of gram, we could well see Japan consid- necessary for the United States to the subcommittee, I want to thank him ering a nuclear program. We have strengthen our alliance and partner- as well. strong friends, such as Taiwan, who ship with South Korea. Mr. Speaker, when I first introduced now will be in danger. The security alliance between the this resolution back in March, it was Also, it is time for China to realize United States and Korea has been piv- clear then, obviously, that Korea was a that they have a major role to play in otal ever since it was forged through major threat to world stability and a solving this crisis. The fact is, North much shedding of blood during the Ko- major threat to the national security Korea could not survive if it did not re- rean War some 60 years ago. As I recall, of the United States, and of course also ceive its energy and its food supplies over 33,000 of our men and women in to its Asian neighbors. Well, since from China. And China should realize military uniform died as a result of then, the situation has only gotten that this game can only go on for so that terrible conflict known as the Ko- worse. As Mr. BILIRAKIS pointed out, it long where they somehow take a cer- rean War.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 13:28 Oct 13, 2011 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\H15JN9.000 H15JN9 erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD 15086 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 155, Pt. 11 June 15, 2009 Without question, South Korea has legislation. I think it’s very important cessful. When banks from across Asia remained a steadfast U.S. ally, espe- at this point in time to recognize, as refused to do business with the North cially in our time of need, whether it we have discussed today, the impor- Koreans after a bank in Macau was be the horrific conflict of Vietnam, tance of that relationship that we have shut down by U.S. sanctions for laun- where I personally served at the time, with South Korea and to recognize also dering counterfeit U.S. currency for where some 50,000 South Korean sol- just how much of a test North Korea’s North Korea, it brought enormous diers were right there fighting along- provocative actions have been for our pressure. It was at a point in North side the members of our Armed Forces allies in South Korea. Korea where the previous ruler, Kim there at that time. When we needed as- If we think back to the aftereffect of Jong Il, temporarily the ruler, could sistance in Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon, the Korean War and how South Korea not pay his generals. And that was and other global hotspots, South Korea lay in ruins and think today about the until this effort was dropped with the responded affirmatively and depend- fact that South Korea has one of the belief that North Korea would bargain ably as our ally. The foundation of our highest per-capita incomes in the world its nuclear program away. Those sanc- friendship and alliance is unshakeable. and yet we look at North Korea and it tions were lifted. North Korea got back Through our shared values and com- has the lowest, it is truly dramatic. I on its feet. The work that they were mon history, we are able to meet glob- have been in North Korea, and it’s phe- doing on missile proliferation could al challenges together, ranging from nomenal to me to see the kind of dev- begin again because they had the hard terrorism to the current crisis in North astation that that misrule has led to in currency again. terms of the population, the stunted Korea. There were reports that North Ko- Mr. Speaker, our economic and trade growth, the malnutrition that you can rean counterfeiting of our $100 bills has see when you meet people. But particu- relationship with South Korea is one of been ramped up in recent months. larly for our friends in South Korea, the strongest in Asia, and currently News reports indicate that South who today are one of our strongest South Korea is our seventh-largest Korea has given us the information on trading partners, particularly for them trading partner in the world. In 2007 between 10 and 20 North Korean bank at this point in time, when we see this our two countries concluded a free accounts, most of them in China, one North Korean foreign policy, which has of them in Switzerland. One former trade agreement that now awaits ap- always been aggressive but lately has proval by our Congress as well as the U.S. official has called that Macau included long-range missile tests; has bank—and I have been in Macau and we Korean National Assembly. included three-stage ICBMs; includes In my opinion, Mr. Speaker, the U.S.- have seen those $100 bills—he calls that booting U.N. inspectors from the coun- Korea Free Trade Agreement will bring the tip of the iceberg of North Korean try; the sentencing of Laura Ling and illicit activity. tremendous benefits to both of our Euna Lee, two young American jour- countries. The International Trade We know what to do now. We know nalists, sentencing them to 12 years what worked in terms of shutting them Commission has forecast that the hard labor; the ongoing counterfeiting elimination of tariffs on U.S. goods down when we were willing to do it. So of U.S. $100 bills; missile proliferation if we have the will, we can do that under the agreement would increase out of North Korea; drug trafficking our GDP by about $11 billion a year. again. and other illicit activities, so many il- Mr. Speaker, North Korea’s second The agreement will also eliminate reg- licit activities that I think some of us nuclear test in 3 years offers a silver ulatory and other nontariff barriers are confounded by the fact that almost lining: clarity of the intentions of that that have historically restricted access half of the hard currency that goes into regime. In case we didn’t know it be- by farmers, manufacturers, and service that regime is money they make fore, in case we didn’t suspect it when providers. And to the South Korean through illicit activities. And now we found that they were helping Syria market, with growing difficulties and North Korea has conducted a second on the banks of the Euphrates, when the health of our economy, in my opin- underground nuclear test in 3 years. they were helping Syria develop a nu- ion, this proposed agreement will be a We are in the midst of a leadership clear program, North Korea has win-win situation: a win for our work- struggle, and many expect as a result dropped the pretense of being willing to ers, a win for our businesses, and a win more provocations, more missile tests, negotiate away its nuclear program. for our consumers. even more nuclear tests perhaps over We have learned, as PETER KING, our But perhaps the most compelling ar- the ensuing months. colleague from New York, has told us, gument supporting a free trade agree- Weeks after the North Korean test, about the work done on uranium en- ment with this important ally of ours the U.N. Security Council has passed a richment in addition to the plutonium is the very reason that we are gathered watered-down resolution. And just as program. They had a secret under- here in support of House Resolution the previous administration did after ground program that they never di- 309. The geopolitical factors in East North Korea’s October 2006 nuclear vulged to us. Asia and North Korea’s recent desta- test, this U.N. action will be touted. It South Korean President Lee Myung- bilizing actions necessitates a firm and will be touted by our spokesman as an bak, who will be visiting Washington tangible U.S. commitment in the re- effective response. Well, we’ve heard this week, advocated for a new ap- gion. And realizing that the free trade this story before, unfortunately. It is proach with respect to the Six-Party agreement would send the right mes- not an effective response, and it is be- Talks in a weekend interview. That sage to both North and South Korea cause, frankly, with the lowest com- South Korea, our ally for over 60 years, that we seek an even stronger and mon denominator U.N. resolution ap- is pressing for a fresh approach should more comprehensive economic and proach, where China and Russia get speak volumes to us, and I hope we are trade relationship with our important that opportunity to water down that listening. ally, the Republic of Korea. resolution so that it won’t be enforced Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of effectively, frankly, we come to a con- I yield myself such time as I may con- my time. clusion. And the conclusion for me— sume. Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield and I’ve followed this issue for many I want to thank my good friend and such time as he may consume to the years—is that the United States can colleague the gentleman from Cali- ranking member of the Subcommittee achieve an awful lot by deploying fornia for his comments, certainly one on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and measures to further undercut North of the most recognized experts that we Trade, the Member from California Korea’s economy and to target its pro- have in the House as far as issues deal- (Mr. ROYCE). liferation activities. We have found ing with the Korean Peninsula. I do Mr. ROYCE. I thank the gentleman that the source of doing that before; we thank him for his thoughts and senti- for yielding. should do it again. ments on this important issue. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Con- Past attempts to squeeze the wallet Once again, Mr. Speaker, I wish to gressman PETER KING of New York’s of North Korea have proven very suc- thank my good friend the gentleman

VerDate Mar 15 2010 13:28 Oct 13, 2011 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\H15JN9.000 H15JN9 erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD June 15, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 155, Pt. 11 15087 from New York (Mr. KING) and also Mr. sulting and refusing dialogue with the Republic as well. Kim Jong-il has drawn his people into MEEKS for offering this important reso- of Korea. a conflict they have not sought. While the dic- lution and especially also the chairman H. Res. 309 additionally requires North Ko- tator pursued nuclear arms and other weap- of our committee, Mr. BERMAN, and rea’s compliance with U.N. Security Council onry, millions of North Koreans have starved also our senior ranking member, Ms. Resolution 1718, which prevents a range of to death in the last two decades. The posture ROS-LEHTINEN, for their leadership and goods from entering or leaving the Democratic of their leader is a poor representation of the their support in bringing this bill be- People’s Republic of Korea and imposes an North Korean people. fore the floor. asset freeze and travel ban on persons related I support President Obama in the steps he I ask my colleagues to join me in to the nuclear-weapon program, should North has taken to censure North Korea’s recent supporting this resolution and offering Korea’s pursuit of nuclearization not cease im- hostilities. I now urge the Administration to President Lee our best wishes for a mediately. The strategic importance of the continue using diplomatic pressure to disarm pleasant visit to Washington and a suc- strong alliance between the United States and North Korea and encourage bilateral discus- cessful summit with President Obama the Republic of Korea cannot be overstated. sions between the North and the South. sometime this week. Such an alliance is necessary in promoting Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula back the balance of my time. my time. and in Northeast Asia, and should be recog- Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, Mr. BILIRAKIS. Once again, I want nized. I also yield back the balance of my to thank my good friend PETER KING, In conclusion, we have reached a point in time. the ranking member of the Homeland time where North Korea must cease their pro- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Security Committee, for introducing liferation efforts. Additionally, North Korean question is on the motion offered by this very important resolution, very leadership should scale back their weapons the gentleman from American Samoa timely as well. And I urge quick and program by aiming to prevent illicit trafficking (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA) that the House unanimous passage. in nuclear, chemical or biological weapons. In suspend the rules and agree to the reso- Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, order to implement change for the people of lution, H. Res. 309, as amended. I stand here today to convey the importance of Korea and improve its image in the inter- The question was taken; and (two- the passage of H. Res. 309, which urges national arena, it is necessary that North thirds being in the affirmative) the North Korea to cease all hostile rhetoric and Korea engage in inter-Korean dialogue. I urge rules were suspended and the resolu- activity toward the Republic of Korea. In the passage of this important resolution. tion, as amended, was agreed to. interest of the Korean people, it is imperative Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, A motion to reconsider was laid on that Korea begin to engage in a dialogue in an yesterday morning, President Barack Obama the table. effort to improve inter-Korean relations. Devel- welcomed to our nation’s capital Lee Myung- f opment can only come about with sincere and bak, President of the Republic of Korea (South diplomatic communication via inter-Korean en- Korea). President Lee’s friendship and alliance HONORING SUMO WRESTLER gagement. with this country is an integral part of the TAKAMIYAMA DAIGORO North Korea’s nuclear and missile program, United States’ policy in Northeast Asia, specifi- Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, and their suspected proliferation, is one of the cally as it relates to the Democratic People’s I move to suspend the rules and agree gravest threats to international peace and sta- Republic of Korea (North Korea). I join Presi- to the resolution (H. Res. 479) honoring bility in Northeast Asia and beyond. The time dent Obama in welcoming President Lee to the contributions of Takamiyama has come for the North Korean regime to the United States. On behalf of the Fifth Dis- Daigoro to Sumo and to United States- abandon its nuclear weapons and all nuclear trict of New Jersey, I thank President Lee for Japan relations. programs, and revert to the Non-Proliferation his leadership in the region and wish him and The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Treaty (NPT) post haste. Yet North Korean his nation well. tion. leadership continues to pursue its nuclear am- Though separated by an ocean, the inter- The text of the resolution is as fol- bitions while up to 2,000,000 North Koreans ests of our two nations are joined in the face lows: reportedly starved to death during the late of current events. The nuclearization of North H. RES. 479 1990s and hundreds of thousands fled North Korea poses a danger to the security of both Whereas Takamiyama Daigoro was born Korea in search of freedom and food. the United States and South Korea. There can Jesse Kuhaulua in Maui, Hawaii, on June 16, Given the urgency of timing and develop- be no mistake: the threats of Pyongyang can- 1944; ment on the issue of North Korea’s not be ignored, nor can they be tolerated. Whereas Takamiyama Daigoro entered nuclearization, President Obama noted in a North Korea must cease its pursuit of nuclear professional Sumo, an ancient Japanese call with the Republic of Korea’s President Lee technology and reengage in dialogue with its sport with origins spanning over several cen- Myung-Bak on February 3, 2009, that recent neighbor on the Korean Peninsula. turies; events underscore the immediate need for the On Monday, the House passed H. Res. 309, Whereas Takamiyama Daigoro was the United States and the Republic of Korea to of which I was pleased to be an original co- first United States born sumo wrestler and also became the first foreigner to win the top work together even more closely to achieve sponsor. This bipartisan resolution calls on division championship of Sumo in 1972; complete and verifiable denuclearization of North Korea to cease its hostile rhetoric, dis- Whereas upon his 1972 victory, United North Korea. As North Korea continues to pur- continue its nuclear program, and engage in States Ambassador Robert Ingersoll read a sue proliferation, time is running out for the mutual dialogue with South Korea. An imme- congratulatory message from President plausibility of comprehensive denuclearization. diate end to North Korean aggression is the Richard Nixon, marking the first time On February 10, 2009, Secretary of State Hil- only acceptable resolution to this conflict. English words were spoken at a sumo tour- lary Clinton stated that North Korea needs to Continued North Korean hostility will only nament; understand that all of the countries in East serve to harden inter-Korean relations and re- Whereas Takamiyama Daigoro competed in over 1400 matches, established numerous Asia have made it clear that North Korea’s re- sult in the further destabilization of the region. records, and earned many awards over his 20- cent behavior is viewed as unacceptable. Fur- The policy of the U.S. must be to reject any year career; thermore, on February 20, 2009, Secretary of nuclear aspirations or antagonistic rhetoric on Whereas Takamiyama Daigoro became the State Hillary Clinton stated, in a joint press the part of North Korea and its leadership. We first and only foreign born wrestler to be- conference with the Republic of Korea’s For- should not relent, nor should we apologize for come an oyakata, or training master, by es- eign Minister Yu Myung-hwan, that the United implementing economic sanctions against the tablishing a training stable for sumo wres- States and the Republic of Korea maintain a North. Rather, we should make it clear that tlers; joint resolve to bring about the complete and additional economic and diplomatic con- Whereas Takamiyama Daigoro paved the way for Polynesian and other foreign wres- verifiable denuclearization of North Korea sequences are in store if North Korea con- tlers to compete in this traditional ancient through the Six-Party Talks. Secretary of State tinues its reckless course. sport including Saleva’a Atisano’e, also Clinton also stated that North Korea will not be North Korean hostility not only endangers known as Konishiki, who became the first establishing a new and different relationship South Korea, the United States, and our allies; foreigner to reach ozeki, the second highest with the United States while simultaneously in- it poses a danger to the North Korean people sumo rank, Chad Rowan, also known as

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