FORMER NEW YORK CONGRESSWOMAN SUSAN MOLINARI TO JOIN AMERICAN ITALIAN FOOD COALITION AS CO-CHAIR

Encourages Biden Administration, Europe to Recommit to Critical Alliances

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) announced that former New York congresswoman and prominent business leader Susan Molinari will serve as the group’s new Co-Chair.

“As a second-generation Italian-American, I couldn’t be prouder to serve as Co-Chair of the American Italian Food Coalition,” Molinari said. “Our mission is focused on the critical alliance between the United States and Italy and the strong cultural heritage of Italians in America. President Biden’s recent decision to deescalate trade tensions over the Airbus-Boeing in Europe was a step in the right direction. I am encouraged by and confident that the Biden Administration will continue to rebuild our ties with Italy and Europe at this critical time.”

Launched in 2019, the AIFC is an alliance of more than 450 Italian companies, manufacturers, and trade associations dedicated to ensuring that American consumers continue to have access to high-quality, affordable imported Italian products including pasta, coffee, biscuits, and wafers. Former Pennsylvania Congressman Lou Barletta, who joined that group since its inception, serves as Co-Chair alongside Molinari.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Susan to the AIFC and look forward to partnering with her to send the message that Italy and America have deep ties and one of the strongest alliances in the world,” said Lou Barletta. “Together, we will continue highlighting the cultural bonds between our two nations, most notably so much of the food we enjoy every day.”

Former Congresswoman Susan Molinari (R-NY) was born and raised in Staten Island, New York. She grew up surrounded by a large family with strong Italian roots. Her grandparents immigrated to the United States from Calabria and Naples, Italy in the early 1900’s. From an early age, Molinari was involved in politics and grew up working on her father’s political campaigns.

In 1985, at the age of 27, she won her first campaign and was elected to the New York City Council. Five years later, the New York Staten Island Republican Party asked Molinari to run for office. After being elected to Congress in 1990, she went on to win reelection five times. Throughout her time in office, Molinari served on the Education and Labor; Transportation and Infrastructure; and Budget Committees.

Notably, as a member of the Budget Committee, Molinari participated in crafting the nation’s first balanced budget in 25 years. She also worked hand-in-hand with then-Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) on the Violence Against Women Act, which provided $1.6 billion toward the investigation and prosecution of violent crimes against women, imposed automatic and mandatory restitution on those convicted, and more.

After her time in office, among other positions, Molinari went on to become co-host of the CBS News Saturday Morning show; chair of The Century Council, a non-profit, corporate social responsibility program; and founder and chair of Susan Molinari Strategies, LLC.

Most recently, Molinari served as the Vice President of Public Affairs at Google for the Americas and oversaw dozens of policy offices throughout North and South America. She currently serves on the board of Harvard University’s Kennedy School Institute of Politics, The American Action Foundation, APCO Media, Protiviti, and many more organizations and nonprofits. She was selected as one of the Women of the Year by Glamour Magazine and recognized by Time Magazine as one of 40 most influential people under 40.

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THE AMERICAN ITALIAN FOOD COALITION COMMENDS THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION FOR PAUSING ADDITIONAL TARIFFS ON EUROPEAN UNION PRODUCTS

Group Encourages US, EU to Reach Resolution on Long-Standing Dispute

WASHINGTON – Today, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) issued the following statement praising the Biden Administration for pausing further retaliatory tariffs in the long-standing Airbus-Boeing dispute: 

“The Biden Administration appropriately hit the pause button on another carousel round of tariffs in response to the Airbus-Boeing dispute. We have long argued that since Italy is not an Airbus consortium country, its products should not be subject to these retaliatory tariffs. Today’s action allows U.S. consumers to enjoy Italian products without the risk of increased costs. The decision also gives U.S. and EU representatives an opportunity to resolve this long-standing dispute and, by doing, strengthen the alliance between our nations.”

The American Italian Food Coalition is an alliance of more than 450 Italian companies, manufacturers, and trade associations dedicated to ensuring American consumers continue to have access to high-quality, affordable imported Italian products including pasta, coffee, biscuits, and wafers.

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AIFC WELCOMES PRESIDENT BIDEN, VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS INTO OFFICE

Alliance Looks Forward To Working With Biden Administration

WASHINGTON (Wednesday, January 20, 2021) – Today, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) congratulated President Biden and Vice President Harris on their inauguration. The AIFC is an alliance of more than 450 Italian companies, manufacturers, and trade associations dedicated to ensuring American consumers continue to have access to high-quality, affordable imported Italian products including pasta, coffee, biscuits, and wafers.

AIFC released the following statement:

“The ties between the United States and Italy are some of the strongest in the world.  With President Biden at the helm, we know the commercial and cultural ties between these two nations will continue to deepen and flourish. Italian food is a part of American culture and we look forward to celebrating this unity with the new Administration.”

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AIFC APPLAUDS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S AIRBUS DECISION

Head of the American Italian Food Coalition Says Tariff Announcement “Will Keep Consumer Prices Down, Save American Jobs, and Spare the Food So Many of Us Enjoy.”

WASHINGTON – Today, the Trump administration rightfully left uniquely Italian food products off a retaliatory tariff list. This list is in response to illegal subsidies of Airbus by France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom. American Italian Food Coalition Chairman and Former Pennsylvania Congressman Lou Barletta praised this crucial decision.

“Today, once again, the Trump administration made the right decision on tariffs regarding uniquely Italian food products,” Barletta said. “Particularly right now, as our country continues to financially recover in the aftermath of Covid-19, jobs must be protected. Today’s decision will keep consumer prices down, save American jobs, and spare the food so many of us enjoy.”

KEEP THE FOCUS ON CHINA, NOT ITALY

Italy and the U.S. have a long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship, including economic, cultural and culinary ties. In fact, Italian food, particularly pasta, coffee, biscuits and wafers, are as much a part of the American way of life as they are in Italy! The bonds are strong and have weathered many a storm over the years – including a recent discussion on tariffs originating from the EU-Airbus large aircraft dispute.

Fortunately, President Trump understands how important Italian-American businesses are to the economy and communities across the country. The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has released two retaliatory tariff lists and, thankfully, most uniquely Italian food products were kept off both times. Because he’s stood with the Italian-American community and not imposed any unfair tariffs, President Trump has been able to rightly focus on China.

President Trump understands the real, existential threat that China poses to America. It’s no secret that China is trying to dominate the world militarily, technologically and economically, and the subsequent consequences for America would be significant and long-lasting. Fortunately, by imposing and threating tariffs on key products, President Trump has shaken the Chinese Communist Party. His focus is well-placed and warrants an unwavering focus.

For the sake of America’s future, President Trump needs to stay focused on China. It will take a united, concentrated effort to overcome this global challenge – that’s why the Administration should continue to avoid tariffs on key allies, such as Italy. Rather, taking steps to strengthen economic ties between the United States and its long-standing allies will promote continued growth and investment – particularly by Italian companies that have invested significantly in America.

This week, the USTR is releasing a new list of EU goods that will be tariffed as a part of this airplane feud. Simply put, Italy shouldn’t be punished for the illegal behavior of France and other European countries. Not only that, but focusing on China is a mission that’s critical to America’s best interest – we cannot afford to dilute this pursuit by hitting a longtime, key ally.