U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) has been honored with the Leonardo Da Vinci Award for Public Service from the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), an annual prize bestowed on some of the leading members of society. Pascrell is the longtime co-head of the Italian American Caucus in Congress.

“This recognition is a tremendous honor I accept gratefully,” said Congressman Pascrell. “The impacts of Italian Americans on our great country are beyond any measure. Italian Americans have contributed to every aspect of American economy, science, culture, sport and life and helped make us the greatest country on earth. My work pales to those of my fellow Italian Americans and to be included in the same breath with them humbles me. This is a terrific honor that would have made my grandparents who came here from Italy proud. I accept this honor for them.”

Past honorees by NIAF include scientist Anthony Fauci, actor Leonardo DiCaprio, film director Martin Scorsese, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and basketball coach Geno Auriemma, among scores of many distinguished Italian Americans.