[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 82 (Monday, June 22, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        REP. BELFANTI RECOGNIZED

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 22, 1998

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my 
colleague and close friend, State Representative Robert E. Belfanti, 
Jr. Bob will be honored by the Susquehanna Valley Boy Scouts Council at 
the Council's July 7 American Distinguished Citizen Dinner. I am 
pleased and proud to be able to participate in this prestigious event.
  Mr. Speaker, Bob Belfanti represents parts of my congressional 
district in Northumberland County, Montour County, and Columbia County. 
I have been proud to work with him on numerous occasions since I was 
first elected in 1984. I consider him a close personal friend.
  Born in 1948 to Robert and Rose Belfanti, Bob attended local schools 
in Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania, in what is part of the District he now 
represents. He was active in Scouting and became an Eagle Scout in 
1961. He graduated high school in 1966 and enlisted in the United 
States Marine Corps the following July. Bob served in Vietnam and was 
decorated six times. Following his tour of duty in Vietnam, Bob 
attended the University of North Carolina on a special Inservice 
Program. In 1971, Bob received an honorable discharge from the Corps 
but remained active in a Reserve unit for another two years.
  In 1972, Bob began electrician school and graduated as a journeyman 
in 1975. He operated his own contracting company prior to his election 
to the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 1980.
  Active in numerous local organizations, Representative Belfanti is a 
member of the AmVets, N.E. Economic Development Council, Lions, Knights 
of Columbus, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, UNICO, and 
various Scouting organizations. Bob was listed in Who's Who in American 
Politics, received the Outstanding Young Men of America Award, National 
Young Democrat Award, and the National Leadership Award.
  Bob's legislative efforts have ranged from employment issues to the 
environment. He has helped his district move beyond its coal mining 
heritage and toward the 21st century with millions in grant money for 
everything from technology to sewage treatment.
  Mr. Speaker, Bob Belfanti is a proven leader, an able legislator, and 
a concerned citizen. I am proud to join with his wife Cece, his sons, 
his friends, and the community in paying tribute to his outstanding 
career and his dedication to his community. I am pleased to have had 
the opportunity to bring Bob's many accomplishments to the attention of 
my colleagues and I wish my good friend continued success, good health, 
and prosperity.

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