Texas members of Congress react to Trump-Kim talks,
Members of Congress from Central Texas reacted to President Donald Trump’s Tuesday meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore to discuss the Asian nation’s denuclearization.
Here’s what they said:
“I remain cautiously optimistic that these talks maintain the potential for a monumental diplomatic breakthrough. But, we cannot lose sight of the Kim dynasty’s history of negotiating in bad faith with the three previous administrations. A deal that does not detail the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of North Korea will be unacceptable. In the meantime, we need to uphold our campaign of maximum pressure to ensure we hold Kim and his regime accountable for flouting international norms and law.” — U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin
“The framework signed today by the president and Chairman Kim Jong Un has been called ‘a blueprint for peace.’ The administration and Secretary Pompeo deserve high praise for their efforts to bring North Korea to the table and get them to commit to complete denuclearization.” — U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith, R-San Antonio
“So far, Trump appears to have actually accomplished little more than the global attention he craves. What’s missing is even one of the essential steps to ensure verified North Korean denuclearization—no declarations of nuclear materials, sites, commitment to remove materials, no plan for inspections or even a promise of inspections. Meanwhile, North Korea displayed to the world its flag beside ours and its cruel leader as an equal on the international stage, while achieving a reduction in U.S. military exercises and an effective easing of economic sanctions.” — U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin
“@POTUS’ meeting with Kim Jong Un was a step in the right direction for America and for the world. However, let me be clear, while these negotiations are a work in progress, the only acceptable option is a complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization. Until that happens, we will continue our maximum pressure campaign to ensure the North Korean regime is held accountable.” — U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Austin, via Twitter
“I am optimistic about the work being done by President Trump to denuclearize North Korea and achieve peace in the Korean peninsula . ... As the details and negotiations of this deal continue to evolve, we must remain vigilant and not forget North Korea’s long history of deception and deceit. The most important element to this deal is to ensure that any and all outcomes that result from this agreement with North Korea are verifiable and long-lasting. Until this deal is finalized, it is vital that we maintain current sanctions and diplomatic engagement.” — U.S. Rep. Bill Flores, R-Bryan
“I always prefer diplomacy over war when possible, and I think that last night was a step in the right direction. I’m pleased to see the discussions progressing toward a denuclearized North Korea, however, the North Korean regime has a long history of going back on their word so it’s important that the United States remain cautious and vigilant throughout these discussions.” — U.S. Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock
‘North Korea displayed to the world its flag beside ours and its cruel leader as an equal on the international stage.’ U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett D-Austin