H.R.1273 - Korean American Divided Families National Registry Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1273, the Korean American Divided Families National Registry Act, directs the Secretary of State to establish a national registry of Korean American families who wish to be reunited with family members in North Korea. This registry aims to collate information in anticipation of future reunions, including in-person and video reunions. The bill also mandates the Secretary of State to ensure that any direct dialogue between the United States and North Korea includes progress towards holding these reunions.
Expected Effects
The bill's enactment would lead to the creation of a national registry to facilitate reunions between Korean American families and their relatives in North Korea. It would also require the Secretary of State to prioritize this issue in diplomatic talks with North Korea. Furthermore, it mandates regular reports to Congress on the registry's status and North Korea's response to reunion requests.
Potential Benefits
- Facilitates family reunification for Korean Americans separated by the Korean War.
- Creates a centralized database to streamline reunion efforts.
- Encourages dialogue between the US and North Korea on humanitarian issues.
- Provides a platform for advocacy and awareness regarding divided families.
- Offers hope and potential emotional relief for affected families.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for limited effectiveness if North Korea is unwilling to cooperate.
- Risk of raising false hopes if reunions are not feasible.
- Administrative costs associated with establishing and maintaining the registry.
- Possible privacy concerns related to the collection and storage of personal information.
- May be perceived as prioritizing one specific group over other divided families from different conflicts.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution's preamble, as it seeks to address the humanitarian concerns of Korean American families. The power to conduct foreign affairs, including diplomatic dialogues and the establishment of registries related to international relations, falls within the purview of the Executive branch, particularly the Secretary of State. Congress's role in this matter is primarily oversight, ensuring the Executive branch acts in accordance with the law, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).