Bill Summary
This resolution opposes the decision made by the White House to withdraw US efforts to prevent Turkish military operations against Syrian Kurdish forces in Northeast Syria. The resolution highlights the contributions of Syrian fighters, including Kurds, in the fight against ISIS and expresses concern for their safety and well-being in the face of Turkish aggression. It also calls for continued US support for Syrian Kurdish communities through both military and humanitarian aid and urges Turkey to respect existing agreements regarding Syria. The resolution also emphasizes the potential negative consequences of an abrupt withdrawal of US military personnel in the region.
Possible Impacts
1. The legislation could affect Syrian Kurds who have been fighting alongside the United States against ISIS by potentially leaving them vulnerable to attacks from Turkey.
2. The legislation could affect the families and loved ones of the thousands of Syrian fighters who have been fighting against ISIS in Syria by potentially causing them harm or displacement.
3. The legislation could affect the overall stability and security in Northeast Syria by potentially allowing for a resurgence of ISIS and creating a power vacuum that could be exploited by other countries such as Syria, Iran, and Russia.
[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 625 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
116th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 625
Opposing the decision to end certain United States efforts to prevent
Turkish military operations against Syrian Kurdish forces in Northeast
Syria.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
October 11, 2019
Mr. Engel (for himself and Mr. McCaul) submitted the following
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Opposing the decision to end certain United States efforts to prevent
Turkish military operations against Syrian Kurdish forces in Northeast
Syria.
Whereas thousands of Syrian fighters, including Syrian Kurds, fought
courageously with the United States against the brutality of ISIS
throughout Syria, liberating nearly one-third of Syrian territory from
ISIS' so-called ``caliphate.'';
Whereas, on October 6, 2019, the White House announced ``Turkey will soon be
moving forward with its long-planned operation into Northern Syria''
while the ``United States Armed Forces will not support or be involved
in the operation, and United States forces . . . will no longer be in
the immediate area.'';
Whereas, on October 6, 2019, the White House announced ``Turkey will now be
responsible for all ISIS fighters in the area captured over the past two
years'';
Whereas an October 10, 2019, White House statement said, ``This morning, Turkey,
a NATO member, invaded Syria. The United States does not endorse this
attack and has made it clear to Turkey that this operation is a bad
idea.'';
Whereas Turkey has historically threatened, forcibly displaced, and killed
Syrian Kurds, including during military operations in the Afrin
District;
Whereas, on August 1, 2019, Special Envoy James Jeffrey stated in reference to
the Syrian Kurds and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), ``We are committed
to defeating ISIS in northeast Syria. The SDF . . . is our partner
there. We are committed to those who have fought with us not being
attacked and not being harmed by anyone. The President made that clear
publicly. That includes our concerns about the Turks.'';
Whereas in January 2019, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats stated in
Congressional testimony that ``The conflicts in Iraq and Syria have
generated a large pool of skilled and battle-hardened fighters who
remain dispersed throughout the region . . . and the group has returned
to its guerilla-warfare roots while continuing to plot attacks and
direct its supporters worldwide. ISIS is intent on resurging.'';
Whereas during the counter-ISIS campaign in Syria, the SDF captured thousands of
ISIS fighters, including foreign terrorist fighters from around the
world who pose threats to our allies in the region;
Whereas in addition to ISIS fighters in detention approximately 70,000 women and
children are currently held at the Al-Hol internally displaced persons
camp and at other camps in northeast Syria;
Whereas the Lead Inspector General for Combined Joint Task Force Operation
Inherent Resolve stated in August 2019, ISIS is already ``seeking to
establish safe haven in al-Hol'' aiming to recruit individuals who are
``susceptible to ISIS messaging, coercion, and enticement.'';
Whereas the SDF has warned the United States and international community that a
Turkish incursion into Northeast Syria would significantly decrease the
SDF's ability to combat ISIS and to continue providing security and
management for ISIS detainees and their family members;
Whereas, on October 6, 2019, President Trump conducted a call with President
Erdogan in which, according to the official White House press release,
they discussed the upcoming Turkish incursion, and soon after this call,
a White House press release announced the withdrawal of the United
States military from the immediate area, which was completed within
hours; and
Whereas an abrupt withdrawal of United States military personnel from certain
parts of Northeast Syria is beneficial to adversaries of the United
States Government, including Syria, Iran, and Russia: Now, therefore, be
it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) opposes the decision to end certain United States
efforts to prevent Turkish military operations against Syrian
Kurdish forces in Northeast Syria;
(2) calls on Turkish President Erdogan to immediately cease
unilateral military action in Northeast Syria and to respect
existing agreements relating to Syria;
(3) calls on the United States to continue supporting
Syrian Kurdish communities through military and humanitarian
support, including support to those displaced or otherwise
affected by ongoing violence in Syria; and
(4) calls on the United States to work to ensure that the
Turkish military acts with restraint and respects existing
agreements relating to Syria.
<all>