The U.S. Congressional Research Service says that Obama administration officials are divided on whether to authorize new humanitarian assistance for North Korea.

In a report titled, "North Korea: U.S. Relations, Nuclear Diplomacy, and Internal Situation," the congressional service said another complicating factor in the food aid debate involves taking a different stance than South Korea. It notes that Seoul explicitly links food aid with diplomatic concerns.

The report says North Korea has alternated between provocations and reconciliation since the Obama administration came to office but early this year, it issued an appeal for international food aid.

It also points out that North Korean leader Kim Jong-il's three visits to China since May of last year indicate Pyongyang's intent to receive more Chinese aid.