DeLauro, Rulli Introduce Resolution Honoring Italian American Heritage Month
WASHINGTON—Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee and Democratic co-chair of the Italian American Caucus, alongside Congressman Michael Rulli (R-OH), Republican co-chair of the Italian American Caucus, introduced a resolution to recognize and honor October as Italian American Heritage Month:
“I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution honoring the histories and contributions of the nearly 20 million Italian American citizens of the United States during Italian American Heritage month,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “Italian Americans are an integral part of our nation’s diverse cultural makeup. Growing up in Wooster Square—the heart of New Haven’s Italian American community—I learned the value of hard work, faith, family, responsibility, and community. These values were present everywhere in our neighborhood, from the religious societies to our own kitchen table. I will never forget these values, which drive me every day. This resolution also commits to further strengthening U.S.-Italy relations and growing this crucial and beneficial alliance for both countries.”
"Today we celebrate Italian American Heritage Month, a time to honor the countless contributions of Italian Americans to our nation’s history, culture, and communities,” said Congressman Michael Rulli. “For my family, that story began with Nicola and Frank Rulli, who left Calabria to pursue the American Dream. Their journey, built on resilience, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit, reflects the path of so many Italian immigrants. From working long hours in steel mills and on local farms to opening the first Rulli Bros. Market in 1917, they embodied hard work, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to family and community. Their example is one thread in the rich fabric of Italian American history, a legacy that continues to strengthen our country generation after generation. This month we honor that legacy and the millions of Italian Americans whose stories, like theirs, are woven into the American story."
“It’s my honor and our responsibility as leaders of the Congressional Italian American Caucus to reintroduce this resolution to celebrate and recognize Italian American Heritage month,” said Rep. Jimmy Panetta. “Of course, I’m proud not just of my Italian heritage, but also how Italian-Americans have become a cornerstone of America and our culture. With this resolution, the United States Congress recognizes the risks Italians took to come to America to give their children a better life, the challenges to live the reality of that American Dream, and the many contributions Italian-Americans have made to our communities and country."
“As a vice chair of the Italian American Congressional Delegation, I am proud to co-lead the effort to celebrate October as Italian American Heritage Month,” said Congressman Andrew Garbarino. “It is an honor to recognize the work of my fellow Italian Americans who have made invaluable contributions to our country. Our society was built and shaped by this community and they deserve appreciation for their role in our national story.”
"My family’s celebrations around this time of year taught me to take pride in the heritage our ancestors paved the way for," said Rep. Mark Amodei. "As a proud Italian-American, I’m honored to once again support recognizing October as Italian-American Heritage Month, a time to carry forward their legacy, preserve our traditions, and pass them on to future generations."
"My father, the late Joseph A. Suozzi, was born in Italy, in Ruvo del Monte, near the City of Potenza, in the Basilicata region. My paternal grandfather, Michele Suozzi, had immigrated to America first, followed by my grandmother Rosa Ciampa Suozzi, with my father, who was about four years old at the time," said Congressman Suozzi. "My father's life embodied the classic American Dream. The dream he and my grandfather often discussed had become a reality for the Suozzi family,"
The resolution’s text can be found here.
###