Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act

Key Points

• This bill asks the State Department to review the current ban on Americans traveling to North Korea. It specifically looks at whether the government should allow people to visit for family funerals, burials, or other important religious and family events.
• It calls for a formal end to the Korean War, which has technically been ongoing since a temporary ceasefire was signed in 1953. The bill urges the government to pursue a permanent peace agreement with both North and South Korea to replace that old agreement.
• The proposal suggests opening diplomatic liaison offices in both Washington, D.C. and the North Korean capital of Pyongyang. These offices would serve as a basic way for the two countries to talk to each other and handle official business.
• The Secretary of State would be required to give Congress a plan for peace within 180 days. This report would explain the steps needed for a treaty, identify who needs to be involved, and describe the challenges created by North Korea's nuclear weapons program.
• About 100,000 Americans have family members living in North Korea. Supporters of the bill say it would help these families see their relatives and help prevent a future military conflict that could put many lives at risk.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.