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119-s-4900119th Congress

North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Senator Kaine, Tim [D-VA]

Introduced

Summary

Reauthorizes and expands U.S. human-rights and refugee efforts toward North Korea through October 18, 2030. The bill would extend program authorities and reporting timelines, strengthen information campaigns into North Korea, and bolster refugee resettlement and related sanctions.

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  • North Korean refugees and families: directs the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security to work with faith-based and Korean‑American organizations, requires publicly available guidance on resettlement options, and mandates messaging and information distribution into North Korea by internet, radio, brochures, and electronic storage devices.
  • U.S. reporting and broadcasting: extends annual reporting and information programs to October 18, 2030, renames the Broadcasting Board of Governors to the United States Agency for Global Media in related statutes, and adds required plan updates plus a new report if the Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights Issues is vacant for a set period.
  • Sanctions and humanitarian aid: explicitly adds forced repatriation of North Korean refugees as a sanctionable act, expands exemptions to include the Republic of Korea and Japan, and requires a Congressional report on humanitarian exemptions, delivery methods, and dealings with the U.N. Security Council 1718 Sanctions Committee.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

More resettlement help for North Koreans

This bill would direct the State and Homeland Security secretaries to work with faith-based and Korean‑American groups to resettle North Korean participants in the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program in communities with existing Korean‑American populations. It would require the State Department to publish resettlement guidelines on a public website, broadcast messaging into North Korea using U.S.-funded or supported radio, and distribute brochures or electronic storage devices with information for eligible North Korean refugees. If enacted, these requirements would take effect upon enactment.

Extend North Korea human-rights programs

This bill would extend several program authorities and reporting deadlines in the North Korean Human Rights Act through October 18, 2030. It would change some covered-year ranges to 2025 through 2030 and extend an existing authorization through 2030 so agencies can continue programs and reports. If enacted, these timing changes would take effect upon enactment.

Sanctions for forced repatriation, plus exemptions

This bill would let U.S. authorities designate and target any person who knowingly forced the repatriation of North Korean refugees to North Korea for sanctions. It would also add the Republic of Korea and Japan to a statutory list of exemptions for certain sanctions rules. If enacted, these changes would take effect upon enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Kaine, Tim [D-VA]

VA • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]

    AK • R

    Sponsored 6/24/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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