by Ted Ventresca
An
interesting phenomenon occurred on February 27th at the Capitol here in Washington
D.C. Something that, unfortunately, is not see that often from our elected officials. A bipartisan
coalition of Senators and Congressional representatives came together
understanding that while they have distinct and different views regarding national
politics, they easily join together and have bi-partisan agreement on the
subject of the nation of Italy and the powerful relationship America has with
one of our strongest and steadfast European allies. The National Italian American
Foundation (NIAF - www.niaf.org) is the catalyst to bring the delegation of
Italian American representatives together as part of the National Italian
American Foundation Frank J. Guarini Public Policy Forum. The evening began
with NIAF Chief Operating Officer John Viola welcoming the gathering of some of
the most influential political figures in American politics. NIAF
Board of Director Mark Valente III, President of Valente &
Associates, a bipartisan, D.C.-based government
affairs consulting firm welcomed the NIAF President Joseph V. Del Raso who detailed
the work done by NIAF and the Frank J. Guarini Public Policy Forum. The event
also announced a schedule of four forum
luncheons on The Hill in 2013.
 |
| (L-R) Tiberi, Pascrell, Valente, Del Raso, Viola, Bisognero |
Representatives Bill Pascrell(NJ) and Pat Tiberi(OH), co-chairs of the Italian American Congressional Delegation (IACD) of
the 113th U.S. Congress, welcomed their colleagues and explained how
this delegation works in a bipartisan way to honor our government and common
heritage with Italy . Also they noted that the political affiliation of members
of the Italian American Delegation are almost evenly split between Republicans and and Democrats which included Senators and
Representatives who were present including Senator Michael Enzi ,
Representatives Lou Barletta (PA);Suzanne Bonamici (OR); Michael Capuano (MA);
David Cicilline (RI); Chris Collins (NY); Rosa L. DeLauro (CT); Mike Doyle
(PA);Michael Grimm (NY); Marcy Kaptur (OH); Tom Marino (PA); Jim Renacci (OH);
Brad Wenstrup (OH); and Ted Yoho (FL).
Italy’s
upcoming political election in conjunction with the selection of a new Pope,
while in the midst of the recession that has gripped all the world’s strongest
economies, combine to pose potential challenges for Italy. The “common
culture” as described by Tiberi, Italy shares with America will allow the
country to address and overcome any possible challenges.
NIAF
President Joseph V. Del Raso introduced Italian Ambassador to the United States
Claudio Bisognero who spoke about the extraordinary work and
initiatives the Italian government is accomplishing during the “2013 Year of
Italian Culture in the United -States.” 50 cities and 200 events to highlight technology,
innovation, entertainment and commerce. Bisognero also spoke of the common
values, human rights, democracy, honesty, fairness and strong family values
that America shares with Italy.
 | |||
| (L-R) Nancy Pelosi, Mark Valente III, Joseph Del Raso |
Del
Raso then welcomed his “distant” cousin and Democratic Minority Leader of the House Nancy
Pelosi who reiterated the close bond between our countries and recognized outgoing
Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta for his work in politics and
governement. Panetta has also been a past keynote speaker at the Frank J.
Guarini Policy Forum. Pelosi fondly recounted
a recent reception at the White House when President Obama warmly greeted
Italy’s outgoing President Giorgio Napolitano, and many Italian American leaders
stating “It’s all about personal relationships and respect we have for each
other,” she added. She thanked NIAF and their directors and executives present
including Gabriel A. Battista, Robert E. Carlucci, Mike Ferguson, Patricia de
Stacy Harrison, Joseph D. Lonardo, John P. Rosa and Elissa Ruffino for their continued
work which is to preserve and promote
the heritage of Italian Americans.
