Armenian Genocide resolution has good chance of passage this year

Given the depth and breadth of support for this year's resolution, there is a better chance of passage than in past years. The leadership of the House (Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer) have both been supportive. Nevertheless, opposition from the Turkish government and the U.S. administration is intense and will make passage difficult. Nobody should take anything for granted.

Many Jewish members of the House are cosponsors of the resolution, including many of Israel's strongest supporters. Supporters of the resolution should not make the mistake of tying the resolution's fate to Jews. That is an ugly assertion and one that I, as a Jew, find deeply offensive.

My sense is that after an initial impact in relations, that the mutual interests of Ankara and Washington will prevail and that the U.S. - Turkish alliance will continue.

He can. The question is whether he will.

That is a matter for the Senate, but at this point I do not see the nomination making it to the floor.

I hope that President Bush will not use a recess appointment to install Hoagland as ambassador to Armenia. This is an important posting and both our nations deserve an Ambassador whose nomination has been approved by the Senate.

I believe that in the end the Congress will restore parity. As a member of the State / Foreign Operations Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, I have made restoration of parity a priority. The prospects for peace will be undermined if parity is not maintained.