In violation of signed agreements, North Korea is operating a nuclear reactor to produce weapons-grade plutonium. It is believed this rogue nation has assembled about 50 nuclear 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 It has withdrawn from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, voided the Korean War armistice treaty and threatened nuclear war if its facilities are attacked.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.

Since 2023, North Korea has also sent Russia tens of thousands of troops and vast quantities of weaponry, including munitions and ballistic missiles. This military aid supports Russia's war against Ukraine and was formalized by a mutual defense treaty signed in 2024.

Pending Legislation: H.R.2622 - Russia-North Korea Cooperation Sanctions Act
Sponsor: Rep. Gerald Connolly (VA)
Status: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Ways and Means, Financial Services, and Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker
House Speaker: Speaker Mike Johnson (LA)