Donnelly Statement on New North Korea Sanctions

South Bend, Ind. – U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly released the following statement after the Administration announced new sanctions on 56 North Korean aligned entities and vessels. One of Donnelly’s provisions in the annual national defense bill, signed into law in December, requires the Administration to bring to Congress a comprehensive strategy addressing the threat posed by North Korea. 

Donnelly, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said, “North Korea and the Kim regime pose a serious threat to American security. These additional sanctions are necessary to continue and increase pressure on the regime. I look forward to reviewing the Administration’s comprehensive strategy for addressing this threat in the coming weeks.” 

Donnelly has consistently said North Korea poses a serious threat to our country and our allies and that the Administration should bring a comprehensive strategy to Congress. Through his role on the Senate Armed Services Committee and as Ranking Member of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, Donnelly has effectively worked on measures to strengthen our national security. 

Last fall, the Banking Committee unanimously supported the Banking Restrictions Involving North Korea (BRINK) Act, which included a Donnelly amendment that would help ensure the Department of Treasury has the tools and resources it needs to effectively enforce US sanctions globally. The BRINK Act is pending consideration by the full Senate. 

Donnelly has called for increased sanctions to counter North Korea’s weapons program and crack down on those enabling the rogue regime. In November, Donnelly welcomed the Administration’s announcement that it imposed additional sanctions against North Korea and its backers. As Ranking Member of the Banking Committee’s National Security and International Trade and Finance Subcommittee, Donnelly co-led a hearing with Subcommittee Chairman Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE) to assess U.S. and international sanctions against North Korea and China in relation to North Korea’s nuclear missile program, and to push the Administration on its options to expand sanctions. And, Donnelly and Sasse continued their calls for increased sanctions on both North Korea and China, designed to crack down on North Korea’s weapons program. 

In March 2017, Donnelly helped shape increased sanctions on North Korea, Russia, and Iran, which the Senate passed and President Trump signed into law. He also lauded action in November by the president to re-designate North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism.