[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 20 (Wednesday, February 3, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E109-E110]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN RECOGNITION OF OUR ALLY TURKEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 3, 2016

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of our allies in 
Turkey as they face encroachment on their territorial integrity and 
recover from devastating terror attacks in Istanbul and cities across 
the country.
  Turkey is a longstanding friend and ally of the United States. From 
the Cold War to the fight against international terror, we have stood 
together against challenges and threats. During the Cold War, Turkey 
held down NATO's longest border with the Soviet Union. After the Soviet 
Union fell, greater threats such as terrorism, drug and human 
trafficking and extremism emerged. Again, Turkey remained on the front 
line of NATO, exposed to these threats.
  The suicide attacks in Istanbul perpetrated by ISIS are yet another 
reminder of the dangers our allies face caused by the instability and 
uncertainty in the Middle East. Syria has become a breeding ground for 
terrorism and extremism, and is proof that inaction also carries a 
cost. The inability of the Administration to show leadership in the 
face of rising threats has caused the situation to spiral even further 
out of control.
  Our ally Turkey has suffered from numerous acts of terrorism 
including suicide bombings in Suruc, Ankara, and others, which have 
cost thousands of lives. This situation cannot continue. The U.S. must 
show leadership.
  These recent developments highlight the importance of Turkey as an 
ally and call for stronger U.S.-Turkish relations to help counter the 
threats faced by NATO and our allies.

[[Page E110]]

  

                          ____________________