Trump-Erdogan Meeting Should Not Take Place

Floor Speech

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Mr. RASKIN. Mr. Speaker, it is an outrage that President Trump has honored President Erdogan today with a meeting at the White House.

During his infamous May 2017 visit to the White House, Erdogan dispatched his thugs to beat up peaceful protesters at Sheridan Circle here in the Capital of the United States of America, demonstrating before the world his contempt not only for human rights but for the rule of law in our country. He should have been banned from America until he makes all of his victims whole.

This time, his visit coincides with Turkey's savage military campaign in northern Syria, an invasion that has killed hundreds of civilians, displaced and driven from their homes over 160,000 people, threatened our national security, and produced a massive humanitarian crisis.

Just weeks ago, the U.S. House passed H.J. Res. 77 and H.R. 4695, the Protect Against Conflict by Turkey Act, which denounced Turkey's military actions against the Kurdish people in northern Syria.

We also cannot overlook Erdogan's continuing oppressive actions against the Turkish people. He has executed a campaign of repression against anyone who dares disagree with his barbaric policies.

This meeting should not be taking place.

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