McCaul introduces sanctions package to punish Turkish government

U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), ranking member of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, on Oct. 16 introduced a bipartisan bill that would sanction Turkey, imposing consequences for the country’s assault on Syrian Democratic Forces and Kurdish civilians.

“The carnage that we have seen over the past week against our Kurdish partners and innocent civilians has been unbearable,” Rep. McCaul said. “There must be consequences. That’s why we introduced a very tough and comprehensive sanctions package to punish Turkey for its actions.”

Rep. McCaul is the lead original cosponsor of the Protect Against Conflict with Turkey (PACT) Act, H.R. 4695, which he unveiled with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY), who is chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

The bill would sanction senior Turkish officials involved in the government’s decision to invade northern Syria, along with those committing human rights abuses, according to a bill summary.

Additionally, H.R. 4695 would penalize Turkish financial institutions involved in perpetuating the Turkish president’s corrupt practices and those who deal with the Turkish defense industry, and prevent the sale of arms to Turkey for use in Syria, among other provisions, according to the summary.

“My number one priority is protecting the homeland from external threats and that’s at the heart of this bill,” added Rep. McCaul.

Rep. Engel added that “the Turkish operation is threatening our national security, allowing ISIS to escape, and creating a humanitarian crisis.”

Thirty-five members joined Rep. McCaul in cosponsoring H.R. 4695, including U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Bob Latta (R-OH), French Hill (R-AR), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), and Don Bacon (R-NE).