US Congress votes overwhelmingly for tough sanctions on N.Korea

The United States House of Representatives has passed legislation to further punish North Korea for its nuclear program, human rights record and cyber crimes.

The legislation would sanction anyone who engages in facilitates or contributes to North Korea's proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, arms-related materials, luxury goods, human rights abuses, activities undermining cyber security and the provision of materials for such activities.

Penalties include seizure of assets, visa bans and denial of government contracts, reports ABC News.

The package includes sanctions targeting North Korea and 'secondary sanctions'against those who do business with it.

Pressure for congressional action intensified even further after last weekend's satellite launch by North Korea.

The measure has been sent to US President Barack Obama, who's not expected to veto the bill, given its huge support in Congress.

White House spokesman Eric Schultz told reporters on Air Force One the administration was 'deeply concerned' about North Korea's recent actions and would not oppose the legislation.

Politicians said they wanted to make Washington's resolve clear, but also to the United Nations and other governments, especially China, North Korea's lone major ally and main business partner.