Transcript [PDF] - House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats

26
pend on supply routes available through this important relationship
that we enjoy with the nation and with the people of Turkey,
I believe it would be unwise for the United States Congress to
choose this moment to speak on this undeniable dark chapter of
human history.
Before the committee took up the last resolution in 2007 we
heard from every living former Secretary of State and Defense,
each of whom stated that this resolution would be unwise during
a time of war in our nation’s history. I associated myself with that
position then and I do so today.
We must proceed in a manner that is compassionate toward
those Armenian families who were affected by this genocide so
many years ago, but we must also remember the families of those
who serve in harm’s way on behalf of our nation and on behalf of
freedom in the war on terror today, and so I rise today in respectful
opposition to this resolution, but I do so with deep respect for those
on this committee and those who would be looking on that would
have the American people be heard on this point.
While I cannot support this resolution, let them at least note
that this American identifies with their loss, acknowledges those
tragic events of so many years ago and offers my condolences to the
families who still bear the burden of what was in fact a genocide.
I urge my colleagues to oppose this resolution and yield back the
balance of my time.
Chairman BERMAN. The gentleman has yielded back the balance
of his time. The gentleman from Virginia, Mr. Connolly, is recognized
for 5 minutes if he moves to strike the last word.
Mr. CONNOLLY. I move to strike the last word, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman BERMAN. The gentleman is recognized.
Mr. CONNOLLY. I thank the chair. Mr. Chairman, if this were a
symbolic vote in which this committee were being asked to provide
a rendering of history this would be an easy vote.
There is no question about what happened 95 years in Ottoman,
Turkey, against the Armenian people, but it is 95 years later. We
have a modern, constitutional, secular, democratic government in
Turkey. It is arguably the model, the secular alternative model
from the Muslim world about which the United States cares deeply.
It is a strong United States ally that has helped us in NATO, has
helped us in the Middle East peace process historically, has a base
on its own soil and, as Mr. Pence indicated just now, has actually
troops in Afghanistan side-by-side with American troops.
The United States has a great deal at stake in the Turkish relationship,
and I believe that if we pass this resolution today we jeopardize
that strategic relationship in little and big ways, and I for
one do not want to take responsibility for such action. I think,
questioning no one’s motives, it would constitute an irresponsible
action by this committee given the importance of this bilateral relationship.
I also think at some point we have to recognize that we cannot
be passing resolutions judging modern day governments for the actions
of previous generations, however horrible they may be. St.
Patrick’s Day is coming up. I would love to have a resolution condemning
the British Government for the potato famine that killed
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