ANNIVERSARY GALA - National Italian American Foundation

The National Italian American Foundation
government relations
and public policy
NIAF is a clear and strong voice for Italian Americans in our nation’s
capital and around the world. Our public policy programs and
government relations initiatives are a catalyst for important discourse.
Tonight, we are pleased to share an overview of some of those programs.
NIAF continues to build strategic relationships with
important government officials while working
closely with the U.S. Congress, the White House,
and appropriate government agencies including the State
Department. Serving as the major advocacy for Italian
Americans in the nation’s capital, we strive to raise the Foundation’s
visibility and prestige with these key decision makers
while also serving as an educational resource for them. NIAF
does not have a legislative agenda, but rather seeks to educate
government officials about the Italian American community
and U.S.-Italy relations.
Central to NIAF’s mission is advancing U.S. – Italy political,
business and cultural relations. This includes working closely
with the Italian government and its Embassy and Consulates
here in the United States. NIAF also maintains a close
dialogue with the U.S. Embassy in Rome and regularly hosts
policy and business conferences in Italy.
For more than three decades, NIAF has served as an extension
of the Italian American Congressional Delegation. This
bi-cameral, bi-partisan delegation consists of 30 members of
Congress who trace their ancestry to Italy, joined by more
Government Relations
—
than 150 Associate members or “Friends of the Delegation”
who are not of Italian origin, but share an interest in
the Italian-American community or Italy. The delegation is
co-chaired by Congressmen Patrick J. Tiberi of Ohio and
Bill Pascrell Jr. of New Jersey, and includes members from
more than 40 states.
While promoting NIAF’s visibility in the U.S. Congress with
members, NIAF also looks to build relationships with senior
Congressional staff. NIAF hosted events, including networking
opportunities with these staffers who work in personal and
leadership offices and on congressional committees.
Throughout the year, NIAF has continued its close and
collaborative relationship with the Italian American
Congressional Delegation. NIAF was pleased to announce
the introduction of a special Congressional joint resolution
by Senator Mike Enzi (Wyo.) in the U.S. Senate, and
Representative Mike Grimm (N.Y.), Representative Peter
King (N.Y.), and Representative Bill Pascrell (N.J.) in the
U.S. House of Representatives. Upon passage, the joint
resolution will posthumously award a Congressional Gold
Medal to the Italian national hero Giuseppe Garibaldi
Rep. Mike Capuano, Rep. Pat Tiberi, Rep. Jim Renacci, Rep. Thomas
Marino, NIAF National Executive Director John Marino, Rep. Donald
Manzullo, NIAF Board Member Robert Carlucci, Rep. John Mica and
Rep. Bill Pascrell at IACD’s 112th Congress Welcoming Event
NIAF Secretary John Calvelli, Rep.
Nancy Pelosi, Italy’s Ambassador to
the United States Hon. Giulio Terzi
di Sant'Agata, and Rep. Pat Tiberi
present the Presidential Proclamation
recognizing Italy’s150th Anniversary.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi and NIAF
Vice Chair Hon. Patricia de Stacy
Harrison at the IACD Event for
Italy’s 150th Anniversary
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The 2011 NIAF Gala