“NK Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2008″ Passes

While I’m going to put on my webdev hat this weekend, let me leave you with this

The House of Representatives unanimously passed the “North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2008” Wednesday, amending the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004 and extending it for another four year period. The Senate passed the Reauthorization Act of 2008 two days ago.

The original 2004 act described the beliefs of Congress regarding the promotion of human rights, transparency in the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and refugee protection for North Koreans. The 2008 reauthorization draft maintains these basic goals with a few marked changes.

Key amendments to the 2008 version include simplifying the legal requirements for North Korean refugees to enter the U.S. and promotion of the current Special Envoy to North Korea to the level of ambassador.

Hopefully, the next President will actually enforce this.