FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org

(WASHINGTON, DC – June 28, 2002) United States Representative John J. LaFalce (NY) was lauded by the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) for his outstanding and dedicated service to his Buffalo area constituents, the State of New York and the people of the United States.

Rep. LaFalce serves as Dean of the Italian American Congressional Delegation, with its seven United States Senators and 27 United States Representatives of Italian ancestry who serve in the 107th United States Congress.

Long active with the NIAF, he served as dinner chairman for the Foundation’s 18th Anniversary Gala Dinner in 1993. He currently serves as chairman of the NIAF Government Relation’s Committee and he has hosted the Foundation’s public forum events on Capitol Hill.

According to NIAF Chairman Frank J. Guarini and former Member of Congress,” I am stunned by John LaFalce’s announcement. He has been a true icon in Congress. His public service has been filled with innumerable achievements. His leadership and vision will be a loss to our nation.”

“All Americans should be proud of the years of service by Rep. LaFalce,” said Joseph R. Cerrell, NIAF president. “We look forward to his continued participation in our organization.”

LaFalce is the ranking Member of Congress for the House Committee on Financial Services. In November 2000, he successfully won re-election to his fourteenth term.

Born in Buffalo, New York, LaFalce ancestors emigrated from the village of Marcedusa in the region of Calabria in Italy.