Hellenic Caucus Issues Statement of Concern Regarding Negotiations with Erdogan Regime

Washington, D.C. - Earlier today, the bipartisan leadership of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues - Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), and Dina Titus (D-NV) - issued the following statement:

"The United States must be very careful when engaging in negotiations particularly as it relates to discussions surrounding Turkey's potential reentry into the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. Turkey was rightfully removed from the program in 2019 following its acquisition of the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system-a clear violation of U.S. law under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). President Erdogan's decision to pursue military collaboration with the Russian Federation, despite Turkey's NATO obligations, directly undermines the security of U.S. defense technology and poses a threat to the strategic integrity of allied defense cooperation. The continued possession of the S-400 system while seeking access to F-35 fighter jets risks exposing sensitive U.S. military capabilities to Russian intelligence, eroding allied trust, and jeopardizing the development of next-generation military platforms. Beyond this violation of U.S. law, Erdogan's government has consistently demonstrated a disregard for international norms and democratic principles-from crackdowns on press freedom and political dissent, to aggressive military actions in the regions that have drawn international condemnation. Upholding CAATSA sanctions is not only a matter of legal compliance but a necessary step to protect American defense assets and reaffirm the U.S. commitment to accountability and rule of law in international relations. Rewarding Erdogan's government without meaningful changes in behavior would set a dangerous precedent and weaken the credibility of U.S. foreign policy. The United States must stand firm in defending its laws, its alliances, and the international order."