US Senate rejects proposal to block F-16 sale to Turkey
In a vote that began late last night Turkey time, the US Senate rejected a proposal to block the sale of F-16 fighter jets and modernization kits to Turkey, which had been approved by US President Joe Biden.
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The US Senate rejected the proposal submitted by Republican Senator Rand Paul to block the sale in a vote that began around midnight Turkey time, with 79 votes against and 13 in favor.
CRITICIZED THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT
Speaking before the vote, Paul criticized the Turkish government and stated that allowing the sale would encourage Turkey's "misbehavior." Those who supported the sale argued that the US must keep its promise to Turkey, a NATO ally.
The Biden administration officially notified the US Congress of its intention to proceed with the sale of 40 Lockheed Martin LMT.N F-16 fighter jets and 80 modernization kits on January 26, one day after Turkey approved Sweden's NATO membership. Turkey had requested to purchase the fighter jets in October 2021.