The U.S. government must submit within 30 days a report to Congress on whether to put North Korea back on a list of states that sponsor terrorism.

U.S. President Barack Obama signed a defense authorization bill on Thursday that called on the administration to submit to Congress a detailed report examining North Korea’s conduct since June 26th, 2008. The report must determine whether Pyongyang meets the statutory criteria for being listed as a state sponsor of terrorism.

The report reviewing Pyongyang’s conduct is expected to have a substantial effect on future U.S.-North Korea relations as its introduction to Congress is likely to coincide with bilateral talks between the two nations on resolving the North’s nuclear issue.