NIAF Leaders Welcome New Members of Italian American Congressional Delegation of the 114th United States Congress

(Washington, DC- March 19, 2015) NIAF President John M. Viola, Vice Chairs Patricia de Stacy Harrison and Gabriel Battista, and the Foundation’s Government Relations and Public Policy Committee Chair Mark Valente lll, welcomed new and returning U.S. Representatives and Senators of the Italian American Congressional Delegation (IACD) of the 114^th U.S. Congress at a special reception on Capitol Hill on March 18, 2015.

Valente welcomed more than 50 guests at the Amway Townhouse. He thanked a good friend, Representative Pat Tiberi (OH), co-chair of the Italian American Congressional Delegation (IADC), for his work with the delegation and the members attending the event.  “Tonight, we celebrate issues of mutual interest as well as our rich Italian culture,” said Valente, who also encouraged guests to attend the next policy luncheon with Representative Tom Marino as keynote speaker in April.

Tiberi thanked NIAF for organizing the event. “NIAF is a great organization, but only as good as what we put into it. Our shared rich Italian heritage and culture is what we celebrate and cherish tonight,” said Tiberi.  “Let’s celebrate this together and often.”

Joining NIAF’s leadership and co-chair were Representatives Mark Amodei (NV); Lou Barletta( PA); Ryan Costello (PA); Virginia Foxx (NC); Joe Heck (NV); Doug LaMalfa (CA); John Mica (FL); Jim Renacci (OH); and John Shimkus (IL).

Italian embassy dignitaries, administration and government officials, business and community leaders, media, and other notables were also present to meet the delegation.

The IADC is a bicameral and bipartisan group of congressional members of Italian heritage, of the 114^th United States Congress.   The private event was hosted by the NIAF-Frank J. Guarini Public Policy Forum in conjunction with the IACD.

NIAF is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works closely in Washington, D.C., with the Italian American Congressional Delegation and The White House as a national voice of the Italian American community to promote stronger economic, social and cultural relations between Italy and the United States.  Our cornerstone programs include scholarships and cultural grants to support educational and cultural activities at many colleges and universities.  For more information, visit www.niaf.org.

Join NIAF in New York City as we celebrate our annual Gala at the legendary Cipriani 42nd Street on April 8, 2015. Tickets available now at www.niaf.org/nyc