The US Senate on Tuesday unanimously passed legislation that would slap sanctions on foreign businesses or individuals trafficking with the North Korean regime in missile or weapons of mass destruction technology.
The legislation, the North Korea Nonproliferation Act of 2006, was written by Republican Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist after Pyongyang earlier this month test-launched seven missiles, despite the admonitions of much of the world community.
"North Korea's recent missile launches illustrate the threat this regime poses to the American people, the people of the region, and peace and stability in East Asia," Frist said after the vote.
"If enacted, this legislation will authorize US sanctions on foreign persons or companies that transfer missile and WMD-related items to North Korea or that buy such items from North Korea," Frist said.
"We must do everything within our power to prevent (North Korea President) Kim Jong Il from obtaining additional materials to advance his weapons and missile program," Frist said.
"Enactment of this legislation will enhance the tools available to the president to realize this objective," he said
