H.J.Res. 77House116th Congress (2019-2021)Passed House

Opposing the decision to end certain United States efforts to prevent Turkish military operations against Syrian Kurdish forces in Northeast Syria.

Introduced October 15, 2019

AI-Generated Summary

Updated April 14, 2026 at 8:39 AM UTC

This joint resolution expresses Congress’s opposition to the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw U.S. forces that had been helping deter Turkish military actions against Syrian Kurdish groups in northeast Syria. It urges the United States to keep supporting Kurdish partners and civilians, and calls on Turkey to halt its unilateral offensive and respect existing agreements.

Key Provisions

  • Congress formally opposes ending U.S. efforts that were meant to prevent Turkish military operations against Syrian Kurdish forces.
  • It urges Turkish President Erdogan to immediately stop unilateral military action in northeast Syria and to honor existing agreements related to Syria.
  • It calls for continued U.S. humanitarian assistance to Kurdish communities and those displaced by the conflict.
  • It asks the United States to work to ensure the Turkish military acts with restraint and complies with Syrian agreements.
  • It requests the White House to present a clear, specific plan for the lasting defeat of ISIS.

Legislative Activity

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11 earlier actions
SenateCalendars Latest Action

Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 246.

October 17, 2019

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

October 15, 2019

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

October 15, 2019

HouseFloor

Mr. Engel moved to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.

October 16, 2019 • 1:06 PM

HouseFloor

Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H8157-8163)

October 16, 2019 • 1:06 PM

HouseFloor

DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.J. Res. 77.

October 16, 2019 • 1:06 PM

HouseFloor

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

October 16, 2019 • 1:59 PM

HouseFloor

Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H8164-8165)

October 16, 2019 • 2:37 PM

HouseFloor

Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 354 - 60, 4 Present (Roll no. 560).(text: CR H8157-8158)

October 16, 2019 • 2:46 PM

HouseFloor

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 354 - 60, 4 Present (Roll no. 560). (text: CR H8157-8158)

October 16, 2019 • 2:46 PM

HouseFloor

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

October 16, 2019 • 2:46 PM

SenateCalendars

Received in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.

October 16, 2019

SenateCalendars

Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 246.

October 17, 2019

Bill Text

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Placed on Calendar SenateIssued October 17, 2019

IIA

Calendar No. 246

116th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. J. RES. 77

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

October 16, 2019

Received; read the first time

October 17, 2019

Read the second time and placed on the calendar

JOINT RESOLUTION

Opposing the decision to end certain United States efforts to prevent Turkish military operations against Syrian Kurdish forces in Northeast Syria.

Whereas thousands of Syrian fighters, including Syrian Kurds, fought courageously with the United States against the brutality of ISIS throughout Syria, liberating nearly one-third of Syrian territory from ISIS’ so-called caliphate.;

Whereas, on October 6, 2019, the White House announced Turkey will soon be moving forward with its long-planned operation into Northern Syria while the United States Armed Forces will not support or be involved in the operation, and United States forces * * * will no longer be in the immediate area.;

Whereas, on October 6, 2019, the White House announced Turkey will now be responsible for all ISIS fighters in the area captured over the past 2 years * * *.;

Whereas an October 10, 2019, White House statement said, This morning, Turkey, a NATO member, invaded Syria. The United States does not endorse this attack and has made it clear to Turkey that this operation is a bad idea.;

Whereas Turkey has historically threatened, forcibly displaced, and killed Syrian Kurds, including during military operations in the Afrin District;

Whereas, on August 1, 2019, Special Envoy James Jeffrey stated in reference to the Syrian Kurds and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), We are committed to defeating ISIS in northeast Syria. The SDF * * * is our partner there. We are committed to those who have fought with us not being attacked and not being harmed by anyone. The President made that clear publicly. That includes our concerns about the Turks.;

Whereas in January 2019, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats stated in Congressional testimony that The conflicts in Iraq and Syria have generated a large pool of skilled and battle-hardened fighters who remain dispersed throughout the region * * * and the group has returned to its guerilla-warfare roots while continuing to plot attacks and direct its supporters worldwide. ISIS is intent on resurging.;

Whereas, during the counter-ISIS campaign in Syria, the SDF captured thousands of ISIS fighters, including foreign terrorist fighters from around the world who pose threats to our allies in the region;

Whereas in addition to ISIS fighters in detention approximately 70,000 women and children are currently held at the Al-Hol internally displaced persons camp and at other camps in northeast Syria;

Whereas the Lead Inspector General for Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve stated in August 2019, ISIS is already seeking to establish safe haven in al-Hol aiming to recruit individuals who are susceptible to ISIS messaging, coercion, and enticement.;

Whereas the SDF has warned the United States and international community that a Turkish incursion into Northeast Syria would significantly decrease the SDF’s ability to combat ISIS and to continue providing security and management for ISIS detainees and their family members;

Whereas, on October 6, 2019, President Trump conducted a call with President Erdogan in which, according to the official White House press release, they discussed the upcoming Turkish incursion, and soon after this call, a White House press release announced the withdrawal of the United States military from the immediate area, which was completed within hours; and

Whereas an abrupt withdrawal of United States military personnel from certain parts of Northeast Syria is beneficial to adversaries of the United States government, including Syria, Iran, and Russia: Now, therefore, be it

That Congress—

(1)

opposes the decision to end certain United States efforts to prevent Turkish military operations against Syrian Kurdish forces in Northeast Syria;

(2)

calls on Turkish President Erdogan to immediately cease unilateral military action in Northeast Syria and to respect existing agreements relating to Syria;

(3)

calls on the United States to continue supporting Syrian Kurdish communities through humanitarian support, including to those displaced or otherwise affected by ongoing violence in Syria;

(4)

calls on the United States to work to ensure that the Turkish military acts with restraint and respects existing agreements relating to Syria; and

(5)

calls on the White House to present a clear and specific plan for the enduring defeat of ISIS.

Passed the House of Representatives October 16, 2019.

Cheryl L. Johnson,

Clerk

October 17, 2019

Read the second time and placed on the calendar