Congress Moves to Block U.S. Arms Sales to Turkey Over Human Rights
U.S. lawmakers have introduced legislation that would cut American military aid to Turkey unless Ankara can prove it has made real progress on human rights. The bill, called the Turkey Human Rights Promotion Act of 2026, was introduced in the House by Democratic Rep. Dina Titus and in the Senate by Democratic Sen. Ed Markey.
The legislation would restrict Turkey's access to programs like Foreign Military Financing and Foreign Military Sales unless the Secretary of State formally certifies that the Turkish government has carried out significant, sustained, and consistent reforms. The restrictions would not be absolute. The Secretary of State could grant case-by-case waivers if continued aid is found to serve a vital U.S. national security interest, but would have to document and explain those decisions to congressional committees.
"Turkey is a NATO ally, but that alliance comes with obligations — including adherence to democratic norms and respect for human rights, which Turkey is not meeting." — Rep. Dina Titus
The conditions Turkey would need to meet are specific. Ankara would have to take concrete steps to reduce political and conscience prisoners, release anyone jailed solely for peaceful expression, and stop the abuse of counterterrorism laws to target journalists, activists, and minority communities. Compliance with binding rulings from the European Court of Human Rights, including in the cases of activist Osman Kavala and Kurdish politician Selahattin Demirtas, is also required.
The bill further calls on Turkey to end transnational repression, meaning state-directed targeting of government critics living abroad. If Turkey fails to act, the legislation urges the president to consider Global Magnitsky Act sanctions against Turkish officials responsible for serious human rights abuses, as well as visa restrictions under the Khashoggi Ban policy.
Rep. Titus put it plainly, saying Turkey is a NATO ally, but that alliance comes with obligations including adherence to democratic norms and respect for human rights, which Turkey is not meeting. Sen. Markey separately criticized the Trump administration's approach to Ankara, pointing out that Turkey continues to jail journalists, political activists, and members of minority groups.
The State Department and USAID would also be directed to increase funding for independent journalists and civil society organizations inside Turkey. An annual report to Congress for five years would be required, covering the number of political prisoners, press freedom conditions, and any use of U.S. technology for surveillance or censorship.
