Olson Acts to Hold Turkish Government Accountable

Press Release

Rep. Pete Olson (TX-22) today voted to hold Turkey accountable for their military invasion into northeast Syria against our Kurdish allies. Olson voted in support of the Protect Against Conflict by Turkey Act, bipartisan legislation that imposes sanctions on Turkey as a strong, targeted response to the crisis caused by their invasion. Olson was a co-sponsor of the legislation.

Olson stated:

"Turkish forces have engaged in a ruthless attack against a key U.S. ally, the Kurds, many of them civilians. While I did not agree with the decision to draw down our military presence, I do believe sanctions against Turkey are needed. I'm proud to support these sanctions that apply needed pressure on Turkey to end its offensive while also requiring the Trump Administration to develop a plan to ensure the ISIS detainees held at Syrian facilities remain imprisoned. Our allies, our national security and our reputation on the world stage require nothing less."

Specifically, the Protect Against Conflict by Turkey Act would:

Sanction and ban senior Turkish officials involved in the assault from entering the United States
Stop arms from going to Turkish forces operating in Syria
Impose immediate sanctions on Turkish financial institutions that facilitate transactions for the Turkish military and defense industry
Require the Administration to impose CAATSA Section 231 sanctions against Turkey within 30 days for its purchase of the S-400 air and missile defense system
Require the Administration to write a plan to ensure ISIS detainees held in Syria remain under proper custody and do not threaten U.S. security interests
Require the Administration to create a plan for how the United States will assist Syrian Kurdish communities, including those needing immediate humanitarian aid

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