If all political interaction on The Hill could be like this

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 113^th 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.