FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Elena Isella | NIAF Director of Public Relations
eisella@niaf.org
412-596-5848 (c)
202-939-3108 (o)

(WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 28, 2023) The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) organized a reception for 50 guests to welcome new members of the Italian American Congressional Delegation (IACD) of the 118th Congress hosted by AT&T at the AT&T Forum, an event venue located near the U.S. Capitol, on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.

At the podium, Mike Ferguson, former New Jersey congressman, NIAF Board member, and Executive Vice President of Federal Legislative Relations opened the program by welcoming the new IACD members including Representatives Chris Deluzio, Mike Lawler, and Marc Molinaro. Ferguson was also joined by NIAF Chair Emeriti (Patricia de Stacy Harrison and Joseph V. Del Raso, Esq.); NIAF Board of Directors (John F. Calvelli, Executive Vice Chairman; Hon. Anita Bevacqua McBride, Vice Chair National; Frank Giordano, Executive Vice President of Government Relations; Hon. Robert Allegrini, President); Pat Cipollone, former White House Counsel; Francesco Santillo, First Counselor of the Italian Embassy; Bill Pascrell, Co-Chair of the IACD and congressman representing the 9th District of New Jersey; Ferguson then introduced the NIAF Co-Chairs of the NIAF Government Affairs and Public Policy Program, Anita Bevacqua McBride and John F. Calvelli.

The NIAF Government Affairs and Public Policy Program works closely with the United States Congress, the White House, and the Embassy of Italy in the United States, to serve as a bipartisan advocate for the Italian American community in our nation’s capital. Through these strong relationships, the Foundation serves as a key resource for politicians, policymakers, diplomats, and the international business community.  McBride announced NIAF’s initiative to renovate the Columbus Statue at Union Station in Washington, D.C., in conjunction with the Embassies of Italy and Spain and with Congress to accelerate the restoration of the statue and plaza.

Calvelli followed with remarks on the NIAF Government Affairs Congressional Fellowship program. “NIAF helps create dreams and opportunities,” said Calvelli, noting that Congressmen Chris Deluzio (D-PA) and Marc Molinaro (R-NY) were both NIAF scholarship recipients.  In conversation with Calvelli, each congressman expressed their sincere gratitude to NIAF Board members for the financial support they received to pursue their academic studies.

Co-Chair of the IACD, Bill Pascrell thanked NIAF for the event and welcomed new Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY) to the podium. “It is wonderful to be here tonight and to be with Bill,” said Congressman Lawler.  Both representatives concluded their remarks by speaking highly of the great work the NIAF Government Affairs & Public Policy Program does throughout the year.

NIAF Board member Mike Ferguson, NIAF Chairman Emeritus Patricia de Stacy Harrison, Co-Chair of the NIAF Government Affairs and Public Policy Program John F. Calvelli, Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-NY), Co-Chair of the NIAF Government Affairs and Public Policy Program Anita Bevacqua McBride, Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-PA), and NIAF President Robert Allegrini. Both Congressmen are NIAF scholarship recipients.

Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), Co-Chair of the IACD, Mike Ferguson and Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) speaking at the reception.

Institute of Museum and Library Sciences Anthony Marucci, Co-Chair of the NIAF Government Affairs and Public Policy Program Anita Bevacqua McBride, former White House Counsel Pat Cipollone, and Mike Ferguson.

Lola Messa, NIAF Chairman Emeritus Joseph V. Del Raso, Esq., and Paola Messa.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and protecting the Italian American heritage and culture. To learn more about the Foundation and become a member, please visit www.niaf.org.

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