Speech #870120902

I notice that while Congressman WALTER attacked the appointments of Salvatore Bontempo and Michael Cieplinski. he makes no mention of their conduct in the positions for which they were appointed. Is it possible that in the short period of time since their appointment that they have proven to be able men and that they are doing the job well? Finally. it will be much easier for Americans to stop being ItalianAmericans or PolishAmericans when laws such as the McCarranWalter immigration law are no longer in existence to remind them of their origins: The original resolution of the Federation of the ItalianAmerican Democratic Organizations of the State of New York. which is the basis of our controversy. is set forth. as follows: Whereas the President of the United States has recently nominated Salvator Bontempo as Administrator of the State Department Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs. an American of Italian ancestry from New Jersey. and Michael Cleplinski as Deputy Administrator. an American of Polish ancestry from New York. and Whereas as the appointees are qualified by reason of their background and demonstrated experience. and Whereas Representative FRANCIS E. WALTER. of Pennsylvania. has taken unprecedented stepe to prevent the appointees. Salvator Dontempo and Michael Cleplinski. from serving in the posts to which they have been designated by threatening to abolish the entire Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs. a Bureau of 800 which handle passports and visas and refugee problems. and also makes security checks on all State Department employees. and which was created 8 years ago by a bill coauthored by Representative WALTER. and Whereas the aforesaid Bureau has performed and Is performing valuable functions essential to the security of our Nation. the Federation of the ItalianAmerican Democratic Organizations of the State of New York. Inc.. believes that such legislation to abolish the Bureau is motivated by obvious personal prejudices and considerations rather than by the best interests of the welfare of the United States. and Whereas. the federation believes that Representative WALTERs actions are a manifestation of discriminatory attitudes toward nationality groups. particularly against peoples of the Mediterranean area and Slavic countries as demonstrated In the provisions of the biased WalterMcCarran Immigration Act: Now. therefore. it Is Resolved. That the federation protests and condemns the attempted rebuke of the President of the United States through the methods of Congressman WaLTRs proposed legislation to abolish the Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs subsequent to the Presidents nominations. and It is further Resolved. That the federation condemns the attitude and conduct of Representative FRANCIS E.