[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17136]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      NORTH KOREA MISSILE LAUNCH CLEAR THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM REED

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 13, 2012

  Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my grave concern over 
the three-stage missile launch yesterday by North Korea. While 
described by Pyongyang as a simple weather satellite, the launch 
clearly violates United Nations Security Council Resolutions that ban 
the use of nuclear and missile-related technologies. The launch comes 
just days before the South Korean presidential election is held, timing 
I am sure is not a coincidence.
  Pyongyang's dismissal of international pressures, as well as its 
continued work on missile-related technologies, pose a direct security 
threat to the United States and our allies, particularly South Korea. 
Yesterday's launch puts North Korea one step closer to obtaining a 
weaponized missile. As there are over 28,000 American troops currently 
serving on the Korean Peninsula, yesterday's actions are unacceptable 
and now more than ever, the United States needs to stand strong in 
solidarity with our South Korean counterparts.
  The United States, South Korea, and other countries have been trying 
to engage the North Korean regime diplomatically for many years to end 
its program to develop nuclear weapons and delivery devices that could 
threaten Northeast Asia and the Western Pacific.
  Despite offers of many positive incentives in the form of 
humanitarian aid to North Korea, Pyongyang has persisted in its 
belligerence. North Korea has stubbornly refused to adhere to peaceful 
international protocols that would boost stability and economic 
prosperity. This will be the second time this year it has violated its 
agreements.
  Political stability and security of the Korean Peninsula are vital to 
U.S. interests and to our allies. Beyond South Korea, nations including 
Japan and the Philippines could be threatened by the existence of North 
Korean nuclear missiles. Further North Korean provocations could easily 
and seriously disrupt the Trans-Pacific trade relations that have 
developed over the past six decades.
  It is the obligation of Congress to speak out when U.S. security and 
our economic interests are under threat. This is a clear sign that the 
Administration's previous policies of diplomacy, as well as the 
retaliatory steps taken after the failed April 13, 2012 launch, are not 
deterring Kim Jong-un. A stronger response is necessary.
  I was pleased to see the United Nations Security Council swiftly 
condemn the attacks yesterday and I urge my colleagues to join me in 
condemning the Pyongyang regime's belligerent behavior as a threat to 
regional and global security. I call upon the Administration and the 
National Security Council to work with our counterparts in the United 
Nations to take appropriate steps to ensure that these actions are 
followed with clear consequences.

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