Senators eye sanctions after North Korea's claimed nuclear test

Senators from both parties are pushing for stronger sanctions against North Korea after the country said it detonated a hydrogen bomb.

"The administration should impose the toughest and broadest possible sanctions against North Korea and those who aid the regime's illicit activities," Sen. Kelly AyotteKelly Ann AyotteBottom line The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Senate makes SCOTUS nominee Barrett a proxy for divisive 2020 Senate Republicans scramble to put Trump at arm's length MORE said in a statement.

The New Hampshire Republican, who has made national security a central part of her reelection campaign, added that the United States must strengthen its missile defense and intelligence sharing with South Korea and Japan.

North Korea announced on Wednesday morning that it had successfully tested a hydrogen bomb. The White House has disputed that claim, but if true, it would be a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and an advancement of the country's nuclear capabilities.

Ayotte, who blamed the test on President Obama's foreign policy, is the latest lawmaker to call for tougher sanctions against the isolated Asian country.

Sen. Ben CardinBenjamin (Ben) Louis CardinBipartisan group of senators call on Trump to sanction Russia over Navalny poisoning Pelosi hopeful COVID-19 relief talks resume 'soon' Congress must finish work on popular conservation bill before time runs out MORE (D-Md.), ranking member of the Foreign Relations Committee, and Sen. Robert MenendezRobert (Bob) MenendezTrump appointee sparks bipartisan furor for politicizing media agency Senate Democrats hold talkathon to protest Barrett's Supreme Court nomination Watchdog confirms State Dept. canceled award for journalist who criticized Trump MORE (D-N.J.) called on Congress to pass new sanctions legislation in the wake of the test.

Menendez introduced legislation last year with Sen. Lindsey GrahamLindsey Olin GrahamNew Lincoln Project ad goes after Lindsey Graham: 'A political parasite' The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Justice Barrett joins court; one week until Election Day Biden's polling lead over Trump looks more comfortable than Clinton's MORE (R-S.C.) pushing the administration for tougher sanctions against North Korea and its supporters.

Cardin and Menendez both said, separately, that the Security Council should impose its own penalties on North Korea.

"Moreover, given North Korea’s actions, the United States and our allies must also take additional steps to combine effective sanctions with appropriate countermeasures," Cardin added.

Sen. Bob CorkerRobert (Bob) Phillips CorkerCornyn: Relationships with Trump like 'women who get married and think they're going to change their spouse' Trump excoriates Sasse over leaked audio Has Congress captured Russia policy? MORE (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, said he would work with Cardin and Menendez, as well as Sen. Cory GardnerCory Scott GardnerDemocrats brace for nail-biting finish to Senate battle Trump expressed doubt to donors GOP can hold Senate: report The Hill's Campaign Report: 2020 spending wars | Biden looks to clean up oil comments | Debate ratings are in MORE (R-Colo.) to "bring further pressure to bear" on the North Korean government.