WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18), today, voted in favor of H.R. 4695, the Protect Against Conflict by Turkey Act. This legislation would expand sanctions on the Turkish government in response to Ankara’s military incursion into North-Eastern Syria.
“President Erdogan and his regime must face consequences for ruthlessly attacking our Kurdish allies who stood with the United States and incurred thousands of casualties in the fight against ISIS,” stated Rep. LaHood. “Turkey’s advance into Syria threatens regional stability and will undoubtedly expand the influence of Iran and Russia in Syria. While Turkey is a NATO ally, they must start acting like one and understand that actions have consequences. I am proud to join my colleagues in showing strong bipartisan support for our Kurdish allies.”
Background
This legislation would expand economic sanctions on senior Turkish officials’ assets, financial sanctions on the Turkish state-owned bank Halbank, and sanctions against foreign persons who provide arms to Turkish forces in Syria. Additionally, this would prohibit the Administration from transferring military arms to Turkish military units in Syria and requires the Department of Defense to outline a detailed strategy to prevent a resurgence of ISIS. The sanctions will go into effect should the Turkish government fail to uphold the ceasefire agreement negotiated by Vice President Mike Pence.
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