Blumenthal Statement on North Korean Missile Test

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) issued the following statement on North Korea’s test of an intercontinental ballistic missile:

“The urgent danger to the American mainland posed by North Korea’s nuclear program requires an immediate strategy from the Trump Administration to stop it. Time is not on our side. The President must present a clear and comprehensive strategy using economic sanctions, diplomacy, and credible military capability to deter North Korea and engage China.

“Any talks with North Korea must be conditioned on verifying through the IAEA that their nuclear weapons program is suspended. History shows that the North Koreans use negotiations as a cover for covert nuclear weapons efforts, violating and exploiting even temporary agreements. In the meantime, sanctions can be effective if intensified and targeted at energy and fuel sectors as well as military products.”