Opposing the Decision to End Certain United States Efforts to Prevent Turkish Military Operations Against Syrian Kurdish Forces in Northeast Syria
Floor Speech
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Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Texas (Mr. McCaul) and my friend from New York (Mr. Engel) for their leadership on this issue and the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Mr. Speaker, let me be clear: I did not support the failed Obama- Kerry policy in Syria. During 2017 and 2018, I was proud to see President Trump hold Assad accountable for his use of chemical weapons.
However, I have not supported the United States disengaging from Syria without a strategy since such was first proposed by the President in December.
So I rise in disappointment today over this policy change and Turkey's violations of all of its ``promises.''
A small group of American Forces in northeast Syria advising and assisting local forces in order to prevent instability from coming to power does not constitute an ``endless war.''
Despite being in NATO, Turkey is not acting as an ally. By our actions in this House today, Turkey will pay a steep price for its provocation.
I have been told by experts with contacts on the ground that American lives are at risk directly because of Turkish actions. U.S. Forces have been shelled by Turkish artillery. Our NATO ally since 1952, Turkey, which we allowed to conduct this mission, has thanked us by shelling American positions.
What a sad day for the Atlantic alliance that has shouldered so many burdens and shared so much loss in men and treasure.
Syrian Kurds also announced that they had come to an agreement with the Assad regime's forces to help against the Turkish invasion, which further entrenches Russia, Mr. Speaker, in this conflict. So now Assad and his Russian backers will bring their bloodbath over the Euphrates.
We also put all the gains we have made against Daesh at risk of reversal.
This all could have been avoided. Mr. Speaker, when critical American leadership disengages, America's global adversaries fill the void.
Turkey must cease its military invasion of Syria. The United States must support the Kurdish communities that have been our allies against ISIS. And the White House must present a clear and specific plan for ensuring the defeat of ISIS and border integrity with Turkey.
I urge all of my colleagues to support the passage of this important legislation.
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