– Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) yesterday voted to pass H.R. 4695, the Protect Against Conflict by Turkey Act (PACT Act), and H.Res. 296, Affirming the United States Record on the Armenian Genocide. Rep. Bacon is a cosponsor of H.R. 4695.

The PACT Act is bi-partisan legislation that will take action to impose sanctions on Turkey for their invasion of northern Syria, although it still requires Senate action and approval by the President.

“This legislation will provide the Administration additional leverage to ensure US interests are upheld in the region.” said Rep. Bacon. “This bill sanctions weapons transfers to Turkish forces operating in Syria and imposes crippling economic sanctions if Turkey fails to uphold the ceasefire, attacks Syrian Democratic Forces, or interferes with ongoing counter-terror operations in northern Syria.”

In addition, Rep. Bacon joined his House colleagues in voting to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide.

“Every nation has an obligation to confront its past. This is no less true for Turkey than it is for the United States and all free nations committed to freedom and democracy,” said Rep. Bacon. “President Ronald Reagan explicitly acknowledged the Armenian genocide in 1981 and it is important that we remember this history as violence now threatens the safety and human rights of Kurds and ethnic minority groups caught in the crossfire in northern Syria.”

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