CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Third District Congressmen Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) says the latest missile test launched by North Korea was “unsettling,” “disturbing” and put American lives at risk.
“The idea that North Korea has an intercontinental ballistic missile that may be able to carry a nuclear warhead that now is proven able to reach the shores of our country and Alaska is just unthinkable, unacceptable and must be stopped,” Jenkins told MetroNews Wednesday during a stop at the Veterans Affairs’ Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Kanawha County.
The missile, ordered by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un Tuesday, reached an altitude of more 2,800 kilometers (1,700 miles) and traveled 933 kilometers (580 miles) for almost 40 minutes before hitting the Sea of Japan. Experts said the range could have reached up to 6,000 kilometers — putting Alaska and even Seattle, Washington at risk.
The United States and South Korea responded to the North Wednesday by conducting a ballistic missile drill.
Jenkins said China needs to put pressure on North Korea to stop its missile tests. He’s confident the Trump Administration will continue to do the same.
“I don’t think anybody can deny that we have been much more assertive in world affairs in recent months under the Trump Administration, so I would expect the Trump Administration to continue with that strong position,” he said.
Back in April, Trump issued air strikes on a Syrian airbase alleging Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was responsible for a chemical attack that left 80 people dead, including children.
“I think the administration is showing a toughness, showing a level of resolve that we haven’t seen in a number of years,” Jenkins said.
But several lawmakers demanded a stronger response from Trump after reading tweets from the President following Tuesday’s missile launch.
North Korea has just launched another missile. Does this guy have anything better to do with his life? Hard to believe that South Korea…..
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 4, 2017
….and Japan will put up with this much longer. Perhaps China will put a heavy move on North Korea and end this nonsense once and for all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 4, 2017
Congress is addressing these global issues in Washington, D.C., Jenkins assured.
“We, in Congress, have passed actions, legislation and continue to work on pushing for sanctions on North Korea — trying to get them in line,” he said.
China and Russia leaders have said they oppose any threats made by North Korea.