Providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to Turkey of certain defense articles and services.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1]
- Committees
- Foreign Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 2, 2026
Bottom line
This resolution aims to block a specific military sale of critical engine technology to Turkey, impacting its indigenous fighter jet development program.
What it actually does
This joint resolution prohibits a specific proposed Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Turkey, identified as Transmittal No. 24-051. The sale includes defense articles, services, and technical data necessary to support the F110-GE-129E/F engines of Turkey's indigenously developed TF-X aircraft. By enacting this resolution, Congress would prevent the transfer of critical U.S. technology and support for Turkey's advanced fighter jet program.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that blocking this sale is essential to hold Turkey accountable for its actions, such as its acquisition of Russian S-400 missile systems, its human rights record, or its regional policies that may conflict with U.S. interests. They contend that denying sensitive U.S. technology serves to protect national security and sends a strong message regarding the consequences of certain behaviors by an ally.
Opponents contend
Opponents of the resolution (i.e., proponents of the sale) would argue that blocking the sale undermines U.S.-Turkey relations, potentially pushing Turkey, a key NATO ally, closer to adversaries like Russia or China. They might also assert that the sale is vital for Turkey's legitimate self-defense capabilities, contributes to NATO interoperability, and that denying it could destabilize a crucial region.
The bill text is exceptionally brief and can be read in under a minute, but understanding its full implications requires broader geopolitical and defense policy context.
Section 1, Paragraph (1)
Prohibition of Foreign Military Sale to Turkey
This provision explicitly prohibits the proposed Foreign Military Sale to Turkey, specifically Transmittal No. 24-051. This sale involves defense articles, services, and technical data necessary for the integration, installation, modification, qualification, certification, assembly, and testing of F110-GE-129E/F engines for Turkey's domestically developed TF-X aircraft. By prohibiting this sale, the resolution prevents the transfer of critical technology and support for Turkey's advanced fighter jet program, directly impacting its ability to produce its indigenous fighter.
Supporters argue
Supporters of the resolution argue that denying this sale is a necessary measure to hold Turkey accountable for actions perceived as detrimental to U.S. interests or NATO unity, such as its acquisition of Russian S-400 missile systems or its human rights record. They contend that transferring sensitive U.S. technology under these circumstances would be imprudent.
Critics contend
Opponents of the resolution (i.e., those who support the FMS) would contend that blocking this sale could severely damage the strategic alliance with Turkey, a key NATO member, potentially pushing it further into the orbit of rival powers. They might also argue that the sale is essential for Turkey's legitimate defense needs and contributes to regional stability and NATO interoperability.
Tradeoffs
This provision highlights the tension between leveraging military sales as a tool for diplomatic pressure and maintaining strategic alliances. It trades potential short-term leverage or punishment against Turkey for the risk of alienating a NATO ally and potentially undermining its defense capabilities or pushing it towards non-Western suppliers for critical military technology.