Van Hollen Applauds SFRC Vote on Sanctions on Turkey

Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) issued the following statement applauding the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) vote in favor of sanctions against Turkey for their attacks on the Kurds in Northeast Syria. The bill, which passed on an 18-4 vote, closely aligns with the legislation Senator Van Hollen introduced with Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) in October:

“I applaud the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on taking bipartisan action today to advance sanctions against Turkey for its unacceptable actions against our allies in the fight against ISIS, the Syrian Kurds. The overwhelming vote underscores the clear desire in Congress to hold President Erdogan accountable for his aggression, which undermines the security of the United States and all of our allies by fueling the revival of ISIS. Senator Graham and I have been pushing for action since day one of Turkey’s assault, and we will continue to work in the Senate to get legislation across the finish line that sends a clear signal to Turkey – and anyone else looking to destroy our friends – that there will be severe consequences.”