Alcee Hastings: “as good as this bill is that is presently before us, I think this motion to recommit with instructions would make it…”

“as good as this bill is that is presently before us, I think this motion to recommit with instructions would make it even stronger. Mr. Speaker, there are several realities upon which we can all agree. Security and stability on the Korean Peninsula is a matter of vital national interest to the United States. Mr. Speaker, reducing and eliminating the North Korean long-range missile threat is a vital national interest of the United States. Mr. Speaker, eliminating any vestiges of a North Korean nuclear weapons program is a vital national interest of the United States. The motion that the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Allen) and I have drafted would create a special coordinator position within the Department of State for Korea. This official would be charged with serving as the primary advisor to the Secretary of State on security issues on the Korean Peninsula; coordinate United States Government policies, programs and projects; oversee discussions and negotiations with North Korea; consult with the governments of the Republic of Korea and Japan to coordinate negotiating strategy and overall policy towards the Democratic People's Republic of Korea; and serve as the primary liaison to Congress on issues related to North Korea. The previous administration had a special envoy on North Korea. This administration cannot afford to reduce the level of institutional attention to these matters by not creating a similar position.”