Menendez Continues to Block F-16 Sale to Turkey

US Senator from New Jersey Raises Concerns

Hold Remains in Place

Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, announced on Wednesday that he continues to have concerns about the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey and has not lifted his hold on the sale.

Menendez's hold is a significant obstacle for Turkey, which has been seeking to acquire the jets for several years. The sale has been approved by the Biden administration, but it requires the approval of Congress. Menendez has previously expressed concerns about Turkey's human rights record and its relationship with Russia.

In a statement, Menendez said that he was "deeply troubled" by Turkey's actions in recent years, including its crackdown on dissent and its purchase of Russian S-400 missiles. He said that he could not support the sale of F-16s to Turkey until these concerns were addressed.

Menendez's announcement comes as Turkey's relations with the United States are at a low point. The two countries have clashed over several issues, including Turkey's purchase of Russian missiles, its human rights record, and its role in the Syrian conflict.

It is unclear whether Menendez's hold will ultimately block the sale of F-16s to Turkey. The Biden administration has said that it is committed to the sale, and it is possible that Congress could override Menendez's hold with a vote.