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Congressmen Bill Huizenga (R-Zeeland) and Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) voted Friday in favor of a Resolution (H.Res.65) condemning the North Korean government for its February 12, 2013, test of a nuclear device in direct violation of the United Nations Security Council. The non-binding resolution, in part, calls on the Obama Administration to work with U.S. allies to exert as much pressure as possible on North Korea through stronger sanctions.

The bipartisan resolution passed the House by a nearly unanimous vote of 412 to 2.

“North Korea's testing of a nuclear device poses a threat to America's allies in the Pacific Rim and must be addressed,” said Huizenga. “It's clear that this tyrannical regime is more interested in threatening its neighbors than ensuring its people have access to basic necessities such as food and shelter. This vote in the House shows overwhelming bipartisan support for President Obama to take the next step and work with the international community to explore stronger sanctions against these despots.”

“The recent provocations by the North Korean government pose a serious threat to global peace and security and must be stopped,” said Upton, who, in 2005, was part of a congressional delegation that traveled to the East Asian country in hopes of discussing nuclear disarmament with its leaders. “While its own people suffer under the most oppressive conditions imaginable, the regime remains uncooperative, blinded by its own nuclear ambitions. The consequences of inaction are grave for the United States and our allies in the region and beyond.

“It is imperative that North Korea cease its hostile actions immediately.”