U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08), the co-chairman of the Italian American Congressional Delegation joined House leaders in welcoming Italian President, Giorgio Napolitano, to the nation’s capital. 

In a closed door meeting led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Pascrell thanked President Napolitano for meeting with Congress and for Italy’s cooperation in fighting the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Pascrell also shared the work being done by the Italian American Congressional Delegation to foster political and cultural ties with Italy.

  
“President Napolitano’s visit to the United States Capitol demonstrates Italy’s strong commitment to working with America towards the spread democracy,” stated Pascrell.  “Italy is one of America’s closest allies.  It is critical that we continue meeting face to face with Italian leaders to discuss the issues most important to our mutual security and economic interests.”   

In May 2006, Mr. Giorgio Napolitano was elected president of Italy.  The Italian president heads the armed forces and has powers to veto legislation, disband parliament and call elections.  Before being elected president, Napolitano served as speaker of the lower house of Parliament and as Interior Minister in Prime Minister Romano Prodi's 1996 government.

The Italian American Congressional Delegation is made up of 29 members of Congress who share Italian descent.  Joining them are over 150 associate members who share a commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with Italy and addressing domestic issues important to Italian-Americans.  Rep. Pascrell has co-chaired the bipartisan delegation since 2005.
 

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