Representative Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) was among 17 Democratic lawmakers cosigning a letter voicing opposition to the Trump Administration's apparent plan to reintegrate the Republic of Turkey (Turkiye) into the F-35 program as Ankara hosts the NATO Summit this week.
Context
In late June, President Donald Trump said that Turkish President Recep Erdogan could expect a "big gift" this week, which is allegedly readmission into the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, while Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is reviewing what would be required to certify Turkey's compliance with U.S. law.
This is despite the fact that Trump was the one who booted Turkey out of the program in the first place after the Turks bought a Russian S-400 air defense system in 2019, which prompted the country to be placed under Countering American Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) sanctions.
Rep. Moskowitz cosigned a letter spearheaded by Representative Dina Titus (D-NV) urging House leadership to introduce a Joint Resolution of Disapproval if Trump goes through with the reintegration of Turkey into the F-35 program without a credible legal basis.
"This letter reflects a growing consensus in Congress and a readiness to act to prevent Turkey's F-35 reintegration," the letter said.
Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) has been among the most vocal opponents of Turkey regaining access to F-35s, pushing against the country's reintegration into the program twice, once in August and again in September.
Moskowitz Comments
"Turkey has spent years antagonizing our partners and allies while deepening ties with countries that do not share our interests. That is not the behavior of a reliable partner," Rep. Moskowitz said in a comment to The Floridian. "The United States should not reward that conduct by selling Turkey our most advanced fighter jets. This is about standing with our allies, protecting American security, and making clear there are consequences when a NATO ally acts against the interests of the alliance."
