Rep. Liz Cheney (R., Wyo.), the Republican Party's conference chair, slammed the Trump administration's recent decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria, saying it is already "having sickening and predictable consequences."
As Turkey launches a military offensive that has targeted the U.S.-allied Kurdish forces, as well as civilians, Cheney is pushing Congress to take action to limit the fallout from the American troop withdrawal.
Trump's decision has sparked bipartisan backlash, including accusations that the United States is once again abandoning its Kurdish allies, who have been a dependable partner in the fight against ISIS and other radical Islamic groups in the region.
"President Trump's decision to withdraw U.S. forces from northern Syria is having sickening and predictable consequences," Cheney said in a statement. "Turkey is invading Syria in reported coordination with Russian-backed forces, ISIS terrorists are launching attacks in Raqqa, and thousands of ISIS fighters are biding their time in makeshift prisons."
"The U.S. is abandoning our ally the Kurds, who fought ISIS on the ground and helped protect the U.S. homeland. This decision aids America's adversaries, Russia, Iran, and Turkey, and paves the way for a resurgence of ISIS," Cheney said. "This action imperils American security and that of our allies. Congress must and will act to limit the catastrophic impact of this decision."