In violation of signed agreements, North Korea is operating a nuclear reactor to produce weapons-grade plutonium. It is believed this rogue nation has enough plutonium and enriched uranium to produce 45 to 55 nuclear weapons and has already assembled 20 to 30 warheads - with the ability to manufacture 6-7 more each year. As of 2023, it had carried out nearly 200 intermediate-range missile launches and unsuccessfully launched a satellite. Our military believes North Korea has the ability to miniaturize nuclear warheads for missile use. It says Alaska, Hawaii and our West Coast are already within range of these weapons.

Pyongyang blames its standoff with the West on the "hostile stance" taken by the United States. Some say North Korea believes our pre-emptive war with Iraq proves its own security can only be ensured with a nuclear deterrent force. It has withdrawn from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, voided the Korean War armistice treaty and threatened nuclear war if its facilities are attacked. China, North Korea’s long-standing ally, has provided it with crucial aid and diplomatic protection for many decades and is regarded as the only nation that can influence its behavior. However, our intelligence community believes that China is helping North Korea develop nuclear weapons, missile technology and evading Western sanctions. China's economic assistance to North Korea accounts for about half of all Chinese foreign aid.

Proposed Legislation: Reintroduction of S.667 - Otto Warmbier Banking Restrictions Involving North Korea Act of 2019
Prospective Sponsor: Sen. Chris Van Hollen (MD)