WASHINGTON, D.C. —
The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) applauds U.S. Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV), vice chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues and a member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, for leading a letter signed by 18 House members urging House leadership to oppose any effort to readmit Turkey into the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program unless the requirements established by U.S. law are met.
In the July 6 letter, the lawmakers reaffirm Congress’s responsibility to uphold the sanctions framework established under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) and urge leadership to be prepared to exercise its authority should the Administration attempt to circumvent or waive those statutory requirements with respect to Turkey’s participation in the F-35 program.
“We congratulate Congresswoman Titus for leading this important effort to uphold the rule of law and thank the 17 additional members of Congress for joining her,” AHI President Nick Larigakis said. “Their letter reinforces Congress’s important role in ensuring that existing law is upheld while safeguarding America’s national security interests.”
Turkey was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 following its acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense system, which triggered sanctions under CAATSA. The lawmakers argue that Turkey has not satisfied the statutory conditions necessary for readmission to the program.
The letter is available here
