[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 155 (Wednesday, September 27, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1273]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





         NORTH KOREAN HUMAN RIGHTS REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2017

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                  HON. HENRY C. ``HANK'' JOHNSON, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 25, 2017

  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H.R. 2061, the 
North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2017. This is an 
important piece of legislation and I am pleased to support it.
  H.R. 2061 reinstates the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004, which 
was originally designed to address the ``deplorable human rights 
conditions'' for North Koreans, as well as support various human rights 
groups and provide solutions toward permanent resettlement for North 
Korean refugees. Since 2004, the United States has resettled 244 North 
Korean refugees, making it the largest refugee resettlement program in 
the world. However, Congress has found that human rights conditions 
still have not improved as refugees remain at risk of losing their 
lives. As Americans, we have an enduring bipartisan interest to promote 
freedom for human rights, the transparency of human rights, and the 
importance of refugee protection. As members of Congress, we should 
work with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees to expedite 
the resettlement of refugees, to increase our diplomatic efforts to 
cooperate with neighboring countries, and to urge China to work with us 
to help tackle the status of North Korean refugees within their 
territory.
  I have seen, firsthand, the positive impact that refugees have had on 
my community. Clarkston, a city within my district, has received over 
40,000 refugees over the past 25 years and almost 1,500 within the past 
year. These refugees have contributed to our economy and democracy.
  Clarkston embodies the American spirit, providing a chance to these 
individuals who left everything behind in the hopes of finding a better 
life here in America. I am proud of the hope and opportunity of what 
Clarkston stands for, and that is why I am pleased to support H.R. 
2061.

                          ____________________