WASHINGTON, DC-- June 27, 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.
    
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization
based in Washington, DC and dedicated to preserving  the heritage of an
estimated 25 million Americans of Italian descent, the nation's fifth
largest ethnic group.  Visit our website at: www.niaf.org <www.niaf.org> 
-------------------------------------
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Elissa Ruffino at:
202/939-3106                            
elissa@niaf.org

Elissa Ruffino
Director, Public Relations
1860 19th St NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 939-3106(direct) or 202/387-0600 (main #)
(202) 387 - 0833 (fax)