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Statement on Passage of the Protect Against Conflict by Turkey Act

October 29, 2019

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip, today made the following statement after the U.S. House passed H.R. 4695:

"Tonight, the House passed the Protect Against Conflict by Turkey (PACT) Act. I voted yes.

"This timely legislation holds the government of Turkey accountable for its brutal invasion of northern Syria. It imposes tough, but targeted sanctions against Turkey, and highlights the negative consequences of Turkey's invasion.

"The bill demands a Turkish withdrawal from northern Syria and requires concrete strategies from the Administration for combatting ISIS, protecting Syrian Kurdish communities, an analysis of human rights violations committed by Turkish forces, and authorizes a refugee program designation for Syrians who partnered with or worked directly for the U.S. in Syria.

"This bill passed with a strongly bipartisan vote of 403 to 16. Were it not for President Trump's decision a couple of weeks ago to pull back our troops, this legislation would never have been necessary.

"I hope the Senate will take up and pass this important legislation immediately."