United States-Turkey Relations Review Act of 2019

To require a review of United States-Turkey relations, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the United States-Turkey Relations Review Act of 2019 2. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) The Republic of Turkey has been a longstanding ally of the United States, not only bilaterally, but also through the NATO alliance. (2) The United States is concerned with the increasing cooperation between Recep Erdogan, the President of Turkey, and Vladimir Putin, the President of the Russian Federation. (3) The United States remains concerned with patterns of antidemocratic behavior espoused by the Government of Turkey under the leadership of President Erdogan. (4) The United States is concerned with the Government of Turkey’s decision to acquire the S–400 surface-to-air missile system from Russia. (5) The United States is concerned with President Erdogan’s order on October 9, 2019, to send forces into northeastern Syria to attack the Syrian Democratic Forces, America’s partners in combating ISIS. (6) The United States is gravely concerned that, in the event of regional upheaval, American forces cannot guarantee the safety of strategic assets. 3. Statement of policy It shall be the policy of the United States to— (1) promote democratic reforms to counter the deteriorating political situation in Turkey; and (2) encourage NATO member states to protect democratic values, civil rights, and human rights not only globally, but internally and amongst themselves. 4. Review of United States-Turkey relations (a) In general The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Secretary of Energy, shall— (1) work with NATO member states to assess and address the Republic of Turkey’s aptitude and willingness to fulfill its duties and obligations to the NATO alliance; (2) review America’s bilateral relationship with Turkey; and (3) conduct an assessment of American force posture in the Republic of Turkey, as well as the surrounding region, to protect American service members and critical technology. (b) Report to Congress (1) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, Director of National Intelligence, and the Secretary of Energy, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report, based on the actions carried out under subsection (a), detailing the following: (A) A diplomatic assessment of relocating American military personnel and assets from Turkey. (B) The security of United States and NATO assets based at Incirlik Air Base, Adana, Turkey. (C) The current capability to host United States military assets, as well as current United States basing rights and required upgrades to infrastructure at the following bases: (i) RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus. (ii) Romanian Air Force Base 71st Air Base, Câmpia Turzii, Romania. (iii) Air fields located in Larissa, Greece. (iv) Bezmer Air Base, Yambol, Bulgaria. (v) Vaziani Military Base, Ga­marj­veba, Georgia. (vi) Aviano Air Base, Aviano, Italy. (vii) Naval Air Station Sigonella, Lentini, Italy. (D) The feasibility and strategic advantages of expanding cooperation with each of the bases specified in subparagraph (C). (E) The feasibility and strategic advantages of reallocating United States and NATO assets from Turkey to each of such bases. (F) A cost assessment of relocating United States and NATO assets to each of such bases. (2) Form The report required under paragraph (1) may be submitted in classified form. If such report is so submitted, such report shall include an unclassified summary. (c) Definitions In this section, the term appropriate congressional committee (1) in the House of Representatives— (A) the Committee on Armed Services; (B) the Committee on Foreign Affairs Committee; and (C) the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; and (2) in the Senate— (A) the Committee on Armed Services; (B) the Committee on Foreign Relations; and (C) the Select Committee on Intelligence.

Summary: United States-Turkey Relations Review Act of 2019 This bill directs the Department of State to report to Congress an assessment of Turkey. The report shall include (1) an assessment conducted with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member states as to Turkey's ability and willingness to fulfill its NATO obligations, (2) a review of the bilateral U.S.-Turkey relationship, and (3) an assessment of the posture of U.S. forces in Turkey and the surrounding region.