Schumer, Menendez, Reed: Sanctions Alone Against Turkey Will Not Be Enough To Stop ISIS Jailbreak Or Undo Damage President Trump’s Reckless Actions Have Already Caused In Syria And Turkey; Senate Dems Call For Republicans To Support Resolution Demanding President Trump Correct Course And Outline Clear Strategy To Defeat ISIS

Washington, D.C. – Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Foreign Relation Committee Ranking Member Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-RI) today released the following statement in response to President Trump’s reckless decision-making in Syria and Turkey that has endangered our national security and the security our allies around the world:

 “We have entered a dangerous moment, as it is increasingly clear to all, including many Republicans in Congress, that the president’s erratic decision-making has endangered our national security and the security of our allies around the world.  For years, a global coalition of the U.S. and our allies, particularly the Kurds in Syria, have worked tirelessly and sacrificed much to defeat ISIS and destroy their ability to operate.  Now, in only a matter of days, the president’s Syria decision has jeopardized all of that progress. 

“To be clear, President Trump’s withdrawal of U.S. forces is contributing to the chaos and havoc Turkey is causing in Northeastern Syria.  As Congress works to counter the president’s reckless decision, the only person able to immediately stop this tragedy unfolding is the president himself. Our Kurdish partners already paying the ultimate cost of this betrayal and tens of thousands of civilians have already been displaced. Strong sanctions, while good and justified, will not be sufficient in undoing that damage nor will it stop the consequences stemming from the ISIS jailbreak. The first step when Congress returns to session this week is for Republicans to join with us in passing a resolution making clear that both parties are demanding the president’s decision be reversed.

“Completely withdrawing the U.S. from Northern Syria, at this moment, with no strategy in place, is ceding our interests to Putin, Erdogan, Assad, Iran and to others who are already gleefully filling the security vacuum. President Trump should use this moment to step up, do the right thing, and correct course.  He can listen to his national security and military advisors, and to the chorus of bipartisan voices in Congress and across the world who made it clear that this was a grave mistake worth reversing. Leaders are not those who are always right, but those who are willing to learn from their mistakes.”

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