WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) is calling for increased economic and diplomatic pressure on North Korea after it test-fired another ballistic missile Wednesday, days ahead of a meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“North Korea is a supporter of terror and run by a madman willing to do anything to keep his power. Kim Jung Un’s desperate actions mixed with nuclear ambitions creates a direct threat to the safety and security of American families,” said Fitzpatrick.

Earlier this week, Fitzpatrick, member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, joined the House of Representatives this week in passing two bipartisan measures to counter North Korea’s belligerent actions: H.R. 479 urges the State Department to designate North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism and H. Res. 92  condemns North Korea’s development of ICBMs and calls for the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area  Defense (THAAD) system in South Korea to counter North Korea's missile threat. Both measures passed Fitzpatrick’s committee last week with bipartisan support. Additionally, the committee passed H.R. 1644 which enhances economic sanctions on the regime.

“I am glad the House is focused on this issue. The bipartisan bills passed this week, along with the continuing work of the Foreign Affairs Committee, are important in avoiding confrontation by keeping up the pressure on this regime,” he stated.

Experts predict North Korean will be able to reach the United States with an Inter-Continental Ballistic Misses (ICBMs) in less than four years. Moreover, the dictatorship continues to aggressively advance a nuclear weapons program.