The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bipartisan bill to reauthorize and update the 2004 North Korean Human Rights Act. 

The House passed the North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act on Wednesday in a vote of 335 in favor and 37 against. 

The act calls for efforts to reunite Korean Americans with family in North Korea, for the appointment of a special envoy for North Korean human rights, and for support for media broadcasts to promote freedom of information in the North.

Since its initial passage in 2004, the North Korean Human Rights Act has been extended three times, in 2008, 2021 and 2018. 

The 2018 law expired August 30, 2022, and the new law is set to remain valid through August 30, 2028. 

It will take effect after being approved by the Senate and signed by the president.