Senate OKs bill condemning North Korea nuke test

This file photo taken on April 8, 2012 shows two North Korean soldiers standing guard in front of the Unha-3 rocket at Tangachai -ri space center. AFP FILE PHOTO

WASHINGTON—The Senate has approved a bill condemning North Korea for its nuclear test and pressing for tougher action against Pyongyang.

By voice vote, the Senate adopted the legislation sponsored by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez and pushed by the panel after the February 12 test.

The bill urges the Obama administration to work with the United Nations on tougher sanctions against North Korea. The administration is currently negotiating in the UN Security Council for tougher penalties against Pyongyang.

The underground atomic blast earlier this month was the third conducted by North Korea since 2006. It was widely condemned by the United States and the international community.

Menendez has said North Korea’s program is a threat to US national security and regional peace and stability.