Problems arise for N. Korea sanctions

WASHINGTON — House and Senate lawmakers have run into timing issues in trying to add language imposing new sanctions on North Korea to a bill already passed by the Senate that would place new sanctions on Iran and Russia.

Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Corker said on Wednesday discussions between the two chambers continue, but noted that adding the North Korea language “does create some complications we were unaware of.”

“We’ve been meeting with our House counterparts. We had a large meeting yesterday evening ... and another taking place (today),” the Tennessee Republican told Roll Call. “I don’t think it’s determined yet as whether they are going to send it over with North Korea or not.”

Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin of Maryland, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations panel, has also been involved in conversations with House lawmakers on the legislation, an aide confirmed.

Adding North Korea sanctions to a bill already passed by the Senate could affect the ability of that chamber to take it up quickly. Members of both parties are hoping to move the legislation — which has been stalled in the House — before August recess.

A House Democratic aide said the new complications seem like a Republican tactic to prevent the bill from advancing quickly.

“This isn’t just tweaking around the edges. This is adding an entirely new piece of legislation onto a pretty much completely baked bill,” the aide said. “If the goal is to move this thing quickly, then let the Senate do their work on the North Korea sanctions ... and get the Russian and Iran sanctions bill back to the Senate as quickly as we can.”

A spokesperson for the House Foreign Affairs Committee did not immediately respond to request for comment.