U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly again highlighted the importance of a clear vision and strategy for North Korea that effectively leverages the whole of American diplomatic, economic, and military power in a blog post. Donnelly, who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee and as Ranking Member of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, has long called for the Administration to put forward a comprehensive North Korea strategy.
Donnelly’s provision on a comprehensive strategy on North Korea was signed into law in December as part of the national defense bill, and it requires the Administration to bring to Congress, within 90 days of enactment, a strategy to address the threats from North Korea, including clear objectives, a roadmap, and a timeline.
Donnelly spoke recently with White House National Security Advisor Lt. General H.R. McMaster, who indicated that the Administration’s strategy is not yet ready to submit to Congress.
Donnelly said, in part, “A nuclear North Korea is one of the most pressing threats to U.S. national security… This reality underscores the importance that the United States approach the North Korean threat—and now the recently announced talks—with a clear vision and an interagency approach that effectively utilizes our political, economic, and military power…The White House and our diplomats have a lot of difficult work ahead of them to ensure that this meeting delivers positive results. As Americans, we all want the President to be successful in achieving a peaceful resolution to this crisis. To that end, I strongly encourage the Administration to promptly present to Congress a comprehensive strategy to make sure that we are using all of our tools to give us the best chance at success.”
To read more about Donnelly’s thoughts on North Korea, click here.
