US HB5959

Reauthorizes the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004 through 2030, extending authorization for human rights and democracy programs, freedom of information initiatives, and assistance provided outside North Korea

Requires the Assistant Secretary for East Asia and Pacific Affairs to submit annual reports to Congress detailing activities to improve human rights in North Korea, including engagements with North Korean officials and support for international human rights efforts

Urges China to halt forcible repatriation of North Korean refugees, allow UNHCR access to process refugees, and grant legal status to North Korean women who marry Chinese citizens along with their children

Mandates the Secretary of State report to Congress if the Special Envoy on North Korean Human Rights Issues position will remain vacant for one year or longer without a presidential nomination

Calls for the United States and North Korea to pursue Korean-American divided family reunions as a humanitarian priority, including through pilot programs and coordination with South Korea on video reunions