Unlike many issues in these sharply polarized times, legislation dealing with North Korea draws unanimous support from politicians on both sides of the aisle (with one exception, noted below). Here are three legislators, however, whose efforts on North Korea stand out:

- Ed Royce, (Republican, 40th Congressional District, California): Rep. Royce sponsored the North Korean Nonproliferation Act of 2006, signed into law on October 17th, and one of the co-sponsors of the NK Human Rights Act of 2004. He has chaired the U.S.-Republic of Korea Interparliamentary Exchange since 2000, has lent his support to North Korean Freedom Day, and endorses a multilateral approach to backing harsh words on North Korea with action.

- James Leach (R, 2nd CD, IA): While sponsoring the key NK Human Rights Act of 2004 (as well as the NK Freedom Act of 2003, which died in committee), Rep. Leach advocates a realistic yet interactive approach to North Korea. “For the U.S. to continue to stand pat is to transfer initiative to others, indebting us to the diplomacy of countries that may have different interests, or simply ensconcing the status quo.” Rep. Leach is Chairman of the House Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs and addressed the 2004 North Korea Freedom Day rally.

- Chris Smith (R, 4th CD, NJ): Rep. Smith sponsored HR 794 Recognizing the 17th Anniversary of the Tiananmen Massacre, HR 109 Urging Passage of a Resolution Addressing Human Rights in North Korea, has chaired hearings on human trafficking of NK refugees in China, and was a co-sponsor of the NK Human Rights Act. He has spoken out on the need to act on existing legislation and was key in getting the first group of North Korean refugees accepted by the United States.

And the one exception:
- Ronald Paul (R, 14th CD, TX): If you live in Texas’ 14th Congressional District (encompassing Galveston and portions of Texas’ Gulf Coast) please do not re-elect this man. Rep. Paul stands out as the only vote against condemning the DPRK for abducting Japanese and South Korean citizens, the only vote against recognizing the anniversary of the Tiananmen massacre, and the only vote against urging Congress to resolve to address human rights abuses in North Korea. This man went to Congress with the apparent intention of voting against everything except the pet projects of his nationwide Libertarian fan club. The people of the 14th district deserve better.