Separate bill sought for North Korea

A new package of financial sanctions against Russia, Iran and North Korea has a hit a snag in the Senate, where the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee has objected to the House’s decision to include penalties targeting Pyongyang in the legislation.

Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., told reporters Wednesday that he preferred to keep the North Korea sanctions in a separate bill that would be considered by the Senate. The last-minute hurdle may prevent passage of the measure before Congress breaks for its August recess.

But Corker insisted House and Senate Republicans would come up with a solution that ensures the bill becomes law.

“It’s not going to become a calamity,” he said. “We will work out a way to get through this.”