Gerry Connolly actually said...

"None of this is to whitewash real issues, but there is a context here. We want to make Turkey a more stable democratic state."

"I would like all of you to have an opportunity if you wish, from the United States point of view, and I worry how much this causes friction in our relationship with Turkey."

"Mr. Connolly. Mr. Chairman, if I might be allowed just two more points."

"I am not justifying his behavior at all, but, I mean, I think it is more that than it is culturally anti-West."