[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 59 (Wednesday, April 5, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E456-E457]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   CONDEMNING NORTH KOREA'S DEVELOPMENT OF MULTIPLE INTERCONTINENTAL 
                           BALLISTIC MISSILES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 3, 2017

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 92, 
condemning North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missile and nuclear 
weapons program.
  I am pleased to cosponsor this resolution, which reaffirms the U.S. 
commitment to security on the Korean Peninsula.

[[Page E457]]

  It is undeniable that North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile 
programs have accelerated in recent years. In 2016 alone, the regime 
conducted two nuclear tests and more than 20 missile tests.
  In its most recent test, North Korea simultaneously launched four 
intermediate-range ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan, three of 
which landed within Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
  In response to the threat emanating from Pyongyang, the United States 
and South Korea made a joint decision to deploy the Terminal High 
Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to protect South Korean security 
and alliance military forces.
  Once deployment is completed, THAAD will provide upgraded ballistic 
missile defense capabilities on the Korean Peninsula.
  This resolution urges China to cease its attempts to block THAAD and 
calls upon Beijing to pressure the North Korean regime to dismantle its 
weapons programs.
  Importantly, H. Res. 92 calls on the United States to both enforce 
sanctions on North Korea and to undertake a rigorous diplomatic effort 
to urge the global community to fully enforce international sanctions 
on North Korea.
  The Korean Peninsula remains one of the most dangerous flashpoints on 
the globe.
  Navigating this complex web of regional stakeholders will require 
patient and committed U.S. leadership to avert the ever-present 
potential of conflict.
  I ask that my colleagues support this resolution, which demonstrates 
our commitment to halting the regime's destabilizing provocations.

                          ____________________