North Korea sanctions bill ready for president’s signature

WASHINGTON – Congress is sending President Barack Obama legislation that aims to punish North Korea for pushing ahead with its nuclear weapons program.

House Republicans and Democrats joined together Friday and overwhelmingly agreed to slap Pyongyang with more stringent sanctions. The 408-2 vote came after North Korea launched a rocket carrying a satellite into space and conducted its fourth nuclear test.

The legislation passed the Senate earlier this week.

The White House has agreed on the need for tougher sanctions.

The goal of the legislation is to starve Pyongyang of the money it needs for the development of miniaturized nuclear warheads and the long-range missiles required to deliver them.

The legislation also authorizes $50 million to transmit radio broadcasts into North Korea, purchase communications equipment and support humanitarian assistance programs.