. >> i will recognize senator f n feingo feingold. >> i am very pleased that this hearing is being held. it has been awhile since the committee explore this issue, and one that we agree is one of the greatest challenges to our national security. although we made some initial headway at the last of the last administration, we have not found a lasting solution. the korean peninsula continues to deteriorate. the united states needs to take a central role in determining how to engage peon yang and send a message, north korea cannot use illicit weapons programs, nor can it arrest american citizens on trumped up charges and fined them guilty in a closed before trial. these will invite further isolation, greater hardship for the north korean people and continued rejection by the international community. president obama is seeking to engage meaningfully on this issue ended restoration is working with many of our friends and allies in the region to craft a strong multilateral response. the stakes are too high for and uncoordinated policy. we must make clear that violation of international law an