Speech #900262194

I played in an ItalianAmerican band where I gained much of my present love for Italian music. I learned to enjoy pasta. linguini clam sauce white and the glories of Italian food to which I owe much of my present girth. I learned how meaningful is the observance of Columbus Day and I have continuously sought to have it made a national holiday to pay tribute to the "father of our continent." I learned first hand in my own community of the heartaches and injustices resulting from unfair immigration laws which motivated my efforts to secure just legislation. In this respect I want to express my thanks to so many of you here today for your constant support over the years in the fight for decent immigration laws designed to unite families. I want to express my deepest appreciation to many of you here and to the many of your colleagues not here for all the help you have given me in support of the legislation most needed by the people for whom you have great concern. It has always been a satisfying and pleasant experience to help people like these who are willing. even anxious to help themselves.