U.S. Sanctions Bill on North Korea Passes Legislative Hurdle

A bill to restrict North Korea's access to hard currency has cleared a hurdle in Congress.

Pressure is growing among lawmakers for tougher action against Pyongyang's nuclear program and alleged involvement in a hacking attack on Sony Pictures.

The House Committee on Foreign Affairs has approved the North Korea Sanctions Enforcement Act, which has bipartisan support.

The committee's chairman is Republican Ed Royce of California. Royce says the legislation is intended to press the U.S. to use all the tools it has to impose sanctions against North Korea and on countries and companies that assist the North in bolstering its nuclear weapons program.

The bill now goes to the full House. A sanctions bill is also planned in the Senate but has yet to be introduced.