[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 93 (Wednesday, June 26, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E976]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNITION OF THE HONORABLE PAOLO COSTA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 26, 2013

  Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize 
the Honorable Paolo Costa, the Special Government Commissioner for the 
enlargement of the United States military installation at Del Din in 
Vicenza, Italy. Honorable Costa was appointed by the President of Italy 
as a Special Commissioner and was responsible for overseeing the Del 
Din project. The Del Din project resulted from a major U.S. Army 
restructuring plan that called for the relocation of two additional 
battalions from Germany to Italy by 2013. This expansion would increase 
troop levels from 2,400 to 4,200 soldiers in Italy. Unfortunately, this 
expansion was met with strong resistance from local leaders as well as 
the Italian population.
  Without the hard work and persistence of the Honorable Paola Costa, 
the Del Din project would not have succeeded, impacting the mission and 
also the service members of the United States military. For the last 
five years, Mr. Costa was able to work with various groups, protestors, 
students and local government officials ensuring the successful 
construction of the expansion ultimately providing housing for the Sky 
Soldiers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. Mr. Costa 
understood the importance of this expansion to the U.S.-Italian long-
term strategy. Despite the significant challenges, Mr. Costa stood firm 
in his vision and unwavering in his commitment to the U.S.-Italy 
alliance by bringing the Del Din project to reality.
  The Honorable Paola Costa's contributions are indispensable to the 
success of our Infantry, our Army and our Nation. I am extremely 
honored to recognize the Honorable Paola Costa and his tremendous 
accomplishments and commitment to the U.S.-Italy alliance.

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