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H.R.2397 / 115th Congress

DPRK Act of 2017

Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote .

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · May 4, 2017

Distribution and Promotion of Rights and Knowledge Act of 2017 or the DPRK Act of 2017

This bill amends the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004 to authorize the President, through the Department of State, to: (1) distribute or provide grants to distribute information receiving devices, electronically readable devices, and other informational sources into North Korea; and (2) establish a grant program, which may involve public-private partnerships, to develop and/or distribute new products or methods to allow North Koreans easier access to outside information.

The Broadcasting Board of Governors may broadcast American, Korean, Chinese, and other popular music, television, movies, and popular cultural references as part of its programming.

The Board shall broadcast to North Korea in the Korean language information on rights, laws, and freedoms afforded through the North Korean Constitution, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and any other applicable treaties or international agreements to which North Korea is bound.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Yoho, Ted S. [R-FL-3] · R–FL

Committees

  • Foreign Affairs Committee
6 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote .

  2. Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  3. Referred to the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific.

  4. Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

  5. Introduced in House

  6. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Aug 11, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

Analyze H.R.2397 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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