[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 17]
[EXT]
[Pages 22729-22730]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING SENATOR RAPHAEL J. MUSTO AS HE RECEIVES THE LIFETIME 
  ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FROM THE ITALIAN AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF LUZERNE 
                          COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 7, 2005

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed 
colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to a former 
colleague and current Pennsylvania State Senator Raphael J. Musto on 
the occasion of receiving the ``Lifetime Achievement Award'' from the 
Italian American Association of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
  Senator Musto has had a distinguished career in public service dating 
back to 1971 when he was elected to the Pennsylvania House of 
Representatives in a special election to fill the unexpired term of 
office of his father, the late State Representative James Musto. 
Senator Musto was subsequently re-elected to four consecutive terms.
  In 1980, then-State Representative Musto won a special election to 
become the Congressman representing the 11th Congressional District of 
Pennsylvania in the United States House of Representatives.
  In November, 1982, he was elected to the Senate of Pennsylvania to 
serve the 14th District. Senator Musto was subsequently re-elected in 
1986, 1990, 1994, 1998 and 2002. He served as Senate Democratic Caucus 
Secretary from 1997 to 2004, a leadership position. Senator Musto also 
serves as Democratic chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and 
Energy Committee and chairman of the Energy and Environment Committee 
of the Council of State Governments' Eastern Regional Conference, which 
encompasses 11 States, five Canadian provinces, Puerto Rico and the 
Virgin Islands.
  Senator Musto is a charter member of the Pittston Township Lions 
Club, a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Italian American 
Association of Luzerne County, the Sons of Italy, the Greater Pittston 
Chamber of Commerce, King's College Alumni Association and he is a life 
member of the Pittston Township Volunteer Fire Company.
  Senator Musto was honored by both King's College and Wilkes 
University when the two Wilkes-Barre institutions presented him with 
honorary doctorates of humanities and humane letters, respectively.
  In 2000, he was named Conservation Legislator of the year and he 
received awards for excellence and distinguished service from the 
National Association of Water Companies, the Pennsylvania Municipal 
Authorities Association, the Ford Foundation and Harvard University.
  Senator Musto is married to the former Frances Panzetta and they are 
the parents of four children and seven grandchildren.
  On a personal note, it has been a pleasure to work with Ray Musto on 
many issues of importance to our mutual constituents. He has epitomized 
the true American success story by encompassing strong family values, 
dedication to his community, and commitment to the democratic 
institutions of his community, his State, and indeed, the Nation. He 
has been a friend for more than half my lifetime.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Senator Musto on this 
special occasion that recognizes the contributions he has made 
throughout his distinguished career in public service. Clearly, Senator 
Musto has made a positive difference in the quality of life for the 
citizens of northeastern Pennsylvania and we thank him for that.

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