Rep. Cisneros Votes to Reunify Divided Korean Families

Press Release

Today, Representative Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. (CA-39) voted for two bipartisan bills aimed at reunifying Korean American families. Rep. Cisneros is an original co-sponsor of both bills: H.R. 1771, the Divided Families Reunification Act, and H.Res.410, a resolution encouraging reunions of divided Korean American families. Both bills passed the House.

"Families belong together. I've heard from many of my Korean American constituents about the need for family reunification to be a top priority in any negotiations between the United States and North Korean officials," said Rep. Cisneros. "For decades, too many Korean Americans in California's 39th District and around the country have waited to reunite with their loved ones. I'm hopeful these bipartisan bills will bring us one step closer to families in the United States and across the demilitarized zone on the Korean peninsula to embrace once again. I'll continue to advocate for family reunification, and I urge the Senate and the President to act quickly."

H.R. 1771, the Divided Families Reunification Act, encourages the Department of State to regularly consult with South Korean officials, as well as representatives of Korean Americans who have family members in North Korea, regarding efforts to reunite families, including potential opportunities for video reunions for Korean Americans with their family members. It also amends existing reporting requirements to include descriptions of such consultations.

H.Res.410, Encouraging reunions of divided Korean American families, calls on the United States and North Korea to allow Korean Americans to participate in family reunification efforts, which might include video reunions, participation in a divided family member registry, and information sharing amongst family members who are willing to participate in a pilot program.

Rep. Cisneros is also a co-sponsor to H.Res.152, a resolution calling for a formal end of the Korean War and an executive member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

Source