In the News

House Ways and Mean Chair Richard E. Neal, D-Mass., joined both Republican and Democrats on Wednesday in criticizing President Donald Trump’s abrupt decision to pull back American troops and allow Turkey to move into northern Syria.

Turkey launched airstrikes and fired artillery aimed at crushing Kurdish fighters in northern Syria on Wednesday after U.S. troops pulled back, paving the way for an assault on forces that have long been allied with the U.S. in the fight against ISIS and earlier, Iraqi strongman Saddam Hussein.

“The air and artillery strikes we are witnessing today in northern Syria against Kurdish military forces are tragic, disturbing and completely unnecessary. With his careless decision to withdraw U.S. troops from the region, President Trump has given Turkish President (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan tacit approval to launch a massive military offensive on the Syrian border putting our key allies in the fight against ISIS at grave risk," Neal said. "The Kurdish military forces have been vital partners in the war against terrorism but President Trump has abandoned them ignoring the best advice our military and diplomatic leaders. I believe the decision to pull U.S. forces out of northern Syria will embolden Russia, Iran and the Islamic State and send an unfortunate statement around the globe that the United States does not keep its word.”

Neal joins Republicans who have spoken out against Trump on Syria including Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine,Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., and Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C., who has become a stalwart Trump supporter.