U.S. Rep. John M. McHugh (R-NY), the top Republican on the Armed Services Committee, and Rep. Michael Turner (R-OH), the Ranking Member of the committee’s Strategic Forces Subcommittee, today released the following joint statement condemning North Korea’s nuclear test:
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U.S. Rep. John M. McHugh (R-NY), the top Republican on the Armed Services Committee, and Rep. Michael Turner (R-OH), the Ranking Member of the committee’s Strategic Forces Subcommittee, today released the following joint statement condemning North Korea’s nuclear test:

“North Korea’s declared nuclear test, happening on the same day as reported short-range ballistic missile tests, is unacceptable and antagonistic. It demands firm action from the United States and international community, which should generate tough consequences for Pyongyang.

“We are deeply disturbed that Kim Jong Il continues to use his nuclear and ballistic missile programs as tools of coercion. This does the people of North Korea a great disservice.

“Such tests, one month after Pyongyang defied a U.N. Security Council resolution by demonstrating a long-range ballistic missile, highlights the ineffectiveness of our responses to-date. These have resulted in little more than the occasional ‘wrist slap’. The international community's response to such actions may have implications beyond the region as other nations, especially Iran, take note.”