The bipartisan resolution adds to the pressure Trump faces as Turkey pushes ahead with an offensive in northern Syria.
Lawmakers who oppose Trump withdrawing troops worry it will lead to the slaughter on the ground of Kurdish forces, U.S. allies in the fight against the so-called Islamic State. Trump has repeatedly downplayed the potential for Turkey to harm Kurdish troops, even saying Wednesday that they are "no angels."
During a news conference with Italy's president Wednesday, Trump argued that "I didn't give [Turkey] the green light" to launch an offensive in Syria. Amid the backlash, the White House has condemned the Turkish offensive. Trump on Monday announced sanctions on Turkish officials and an increase in tariffs on Turkish steel to 50%.
Trump has said he pulled the troops from northern Syria in order to follow through on his promise to get the U.S. out of "endless wars." However, the administration announced last week that it would put thousands more forces in Saudi Arabia. Trump argued Wednesday that the U.S. is sending forces to the oil-rich nation because it "agreed to pay for the full cost of that appointment, and much more.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican and Trump ally, and Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., plan to introduce sanctions on Turkey on Thursday. Graham tweeted Wednesday that he fears "this is a complete and utter national security disaster in the making" and said he hopes Trump "will adjust his thinking."
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