WASHINGTON Dec 12, 2012  – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement in response to North Korea’s successful launch of a long-range rocket ON Tuesday:

“North Korea’s successful test launch of a long-range rocket on Tuesday underscores in stark terms the need for the United States to continue to develop and deploy effective ballistic missile defenses. It highlights the ongoing relevance of the United States’ strategic deterrent, and should put to rest any discussion of reducing U.S. nuclear forces below levels required under the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) agreement.

“North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, moreover, are closely linked to Iran. Yesterday’s provocative action makes additional sanctions on Iran designed to end its nuclear program all the more urgent.

“At this critical time, the United States must stand closely with our South Korean and Japanese allies in response to the North Korean threat. The United States should press China’s new leadership to cut off its financial support for North Korea’s leaders and to exert its influence to end North Korea’s nuclear program.”

Senator Hoeven is a member of the State Foreign Operations and Related Programs Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, the ICBM Coalition and the Senate Air Force Caucus.