Congressman Brad Sherman Highlights Efforts to Advance his “Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act” at Capitol Hill Press Conference

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, was joined by fellow Members of Congress, Korean American community leaders, and advocates at a Capitol Hill press conference to highlight his Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act, legislation aimed at formally ending the Korean War and advancing lasting peace, diplomacy, and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

"The American people understand that diplomacy and peace are preferable to an endless state of conflict," said Congressman Sherman. "I'm encouraged by the broad support this legislation continues to receive from my colleagues in Congress and from Korean Americans across the country. Together, we are demonstrating a shared commitment to reducing tensions, strengthening regional security, and pursuing a more stable and peaceful future on the Korean Peninsula."

The event, hosted by Congressman Sherman, brought together supporters of continued diplomatic engagement and efforts to reduce tensions in one of the world's most heavily militarized regions.

The press conference also highlighted the experiences of Korean American families whose lives continue to be impacted by the unresolved conflict and longstanding separation of family members.

Although active fighting on the Korean Peninsula ceased with the signing of the 1953 Armistice Agreement, a formal peace agreement was never reached. Consequently, the United States has remained officially at war with North Korea for more than seventy years. This lingering state of conflict benefits no one and continues to contribute to uncertainty, distrust, and the risk of escalation.

On April 27, 2018, in Panmunjom, the leaders of South Korea and North Korea declared that “a new era of peace has begun on the Korean peninsula,” and committed “to declare the end of war” on the Korean peninsula 65 years after the signing of the armistice agreement. 

The Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act advances the commitments made at Panmunjom by directing the Secretary of State to actively pursue diplomatic engagement with both North Korea and South Korea to achieve a binding peace agreement that would formally end the Korean War.

Because the Korean War was never formally concluded, the United States does not maintain formal relations with North Korea. One consequence has been strict travel restrictions that continue to affect Korean American families separated by the conflict, many of whom have spent decades hoping to reunite with relatives in North Korea.

The Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act requires the Secretary of State to conduct a comprehensive review of those travel restrictions and submit a report to Congress detailing the results of that review.

To watch Congressman Sherman's opening remarks from today's press conference, click here. 

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