The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a revised bill designed to improve the human rights situation in North Korea.

The legislation, passed by oral vote on Monday, has been sent to the president for his signature. Once the bill is signed into law, Washington could spend up to 24 million dollars a year in humanitarian aid for North Koreans, much of it for asylum-seekers who have fled the impoverished state.

The law would also link direct relief aid to North Korea to assurances that the country is using the money properly, for such purposes as human rights protection, family reunification or prison reform.

The Senate unanimously passed the bill last week, adding language recommending that the United States explore the possibility of initiating a regional dialogue on human rights in North Korea.