[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 160 (Thursday, November 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2364-E2365]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  THE THOMAS M. FOGLIETTA SUPPORT SITE

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. JAMES A. TRAFICANT, JR.

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 13, 1997

  Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, on November 8, 1997, I introduced H.R. 
2931, legislation to redesignate the naval facility located in 
Gricignano d'Aversa, Italy, currently known as the Naples Support Site 
as the ``Thomas M. Foglietta Support Site.'' I respectfully urge my 
colleagues to support this bill, which will pay tribute to a fine 
Member, who was recently sworn in as Ambassador to Italy.
  Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, Ambassador Foglietta has a long 
history of service to his hometown, his State, and his country. He 
practiced law for 27 years. First elected to the Philadelphia City 
Council in 1955, he was the youngest council member of a major U.S. 
city. He held this position until 1975. From 1976 to 1977 Ambassador 
Foglietta was the representative of the U.S. Secretary of Labor in 
Pennsylvania under President Gerald Ford. In 1980 he was first elected 
to represent Pennsylvania's First Congressional District and has since 
won the overwhelming loyalty of his constituents.
  As a Member of Congress, Ambassador Foglietta sought to protect the 
industrial base of his constituents. He fought tenaciously to keep open 
the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, a facility that once formed the 
backbone of industry in the area. Unfortunately, as the facility was 
deemed to have become obsolete, an independent commission set up by 
Congress recommended that the base be closed. However, Ambassador 
Foglietta would not let the matter rest. In an effort to make the best 
of the situation, Tom fought to secure Federal funding for defense 
conversion. He wanted to ensure that his hometown would be able to 
shift its industrial base, and to preserve its economic vitality.
  Now, our friend and colleague is taking his career in another 
direction. Last month, he was confirmed by the Senate as the next 
United States Ambassador to Italy. However, foreign affairs is not a 
new interest for Ambassador Foglietta. During the 1980's Ambassador 
Foglietta was one of the leading advocates of democratic reforms in 
South Korea. He has also participated in efforts to restore the 
democratically elected regime of Haiti. In Congress his committee 
assignments involved work related to international relations and 
national security. He was appointed to the Appropriations Committee in 
1993 and has served on its Subcommittee on Foreign Operations. As a 
member of this subcommittee he has served as a leading advocate for 
U.S. assistance to promote free markets and democratic reforms in the 
newly independent states of the former Soviet Union.
  More than 10 years ago Ambassador Foglietta visited the Navy's 
facilities around Naples and was disturbed by the conditions he saw 
there. Following this visit he worked with the Navy and Congress to 
build new facilities for U.S. forces. H.R. 2931 is a fitting tribute to 
our former colleague, in light of his efforts on behalf of our troops 
and his new position as U.S. Ambassador to Italy.
  I would like to wish the best as he assumes his new responsibilities. 
I hope my colleagues

[[Page E2365]]

will join me in honoring the work that he has done for the city of 
Philadelphia, here in Congress and the work that he will continue to do 
on behalf of our country as Ambassador to Italy. I urge all of my 
colleagues to support H.R. 2931, to redesignated the naval facility 
located in Gricignano d'Aversa, Italy, currently known as the Naples 
Support Site, as the ``Thomas M. Foglietta Support Site.''

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