The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is very pleased to congratulate Rep. Nancy Pelosi (CA-12) and Rep. Steven Scalise (LA-1) for assuming leadership positions in the new 116th United States Congress. Rep. Pelosi was elected as the Speaker of the House and Rep. Scalise was elected* as the Minority Whip.

NIAF Board Co-Chair Patricia de Stacy Harrison said, "Both representatives’ impressive careers have prepared them to serve the American people. We at NIAF are proud that these two Italian Americans have been chosen by their colleagues for these critical roles.”

Speaker Pelosi served on NIAF’s Board of Directors in the 1990s and both representatives celebrate their Italian American heritage as members of the Italian American Congressional Delegation (IACD).
 
NIAF Board Co-Chair Gabriel A. Battista said, “We here at NIAF are grateful that Italian American values are represented in Congress and that both individuals are proud of their Italian American heritage.”

Both Speaker Pelosi and Rep. Scalise’s offices participate in the NIAF Congressional Fellowship program. The Congressional Fellowship program provides stipends to the next generation of Italian American leaders to intern on Capitol Hill and to foster leadership development and professional experiences.
 
As a nonpartisan foundation, NIAF is equally proud to recognize leaders in both parties.