US lawmakers vow to block Biden administration from selling F-16 jets to Turkey

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U.S. Representative Frank Pallone on July 10 made public a bipartisan letter, signed by 35 lawmakers in Congress, sent to President Joe Biden expressing their opposition to the proposed sale of F-16 fighter planes to Turkey.

Pallone posted a copy of the letter on Twitter which reads: “We must not support Turkey’s military until tangible steps are taken to stop [Turkish President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan’s destabilizing actions and violations of international law.”

“The sale of American advanced fighter jets to Turkey will not incentivize Erdogan to suddenly transform into a good ally. More likely, these weapons will lead to further death and destruction in the region,” the letter read. 

“Precedent shows that Erdogan will not change his behavior if we continue to reward his efforts to undermine the NATO alliance. The United States must not provide any further support to Turkey’s military until tangible steps are taken to halt his destabilizing actions and violations of international law at home and abroad.”

"As your Administration seeks to advance the sale of new F-16s and modernization kits to Turkey, please know that we will take every action afforded to us as Members of Congress to prevent it from moving forward."

The letter came after Biden on June 30 said the United States supports the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey and that he is confident the congressional approval needed for the sale can be obtained.