Photos & Documents #8

In 1997, Una Storia Segreta was mounted on easels in Washington, DC and displayed around the main hall in the Rayburn House Office Building. The display was coordinated with the introduction of the bill, The Wartime Violation of Italian American Civil Liberties Act, that would take another three years to pass.

After the wartime legislation was re-introduced in 1999, key hearings before the House Judiciary Committee were finally secured and held on October 24, 1999. Among those featured at the hearing were baseball great Dominic DiMaggio (3rd from right) and Doris Pinza, wife of the late Ezio Pinza (2d from right). The others are (front row L to R): Congressman Rick Lazio, Angelo Guttadauro, Matt diDomenico of NIAF, Rose Scudero, Lawrence DiStasi, Dom DiMaggio, Doris Pinza, and Phil Piccigallo of OSIA. (Back Row) Anthony LaPiana (L) and John Calvelli. The hearings were successful enough that Judiciary Chair Henry Hyde put the bill on the fast track, and it passed the House by unanimous consent.

Dom DiMaggio conversing at the Judiciary Hearings with Doris Pinza.

Rose Scudero of Pittsburg CA, Rep. Henry Hyde, and Project Director Lawrence DiStasi photographed after the Judiciary Committee hearings. The bill—The Wartime Violation of Italian American Civil Liberties Act—was presented to President Bill Clinton a year later in October. He signed it into Public Law #106-451 on Nov. 7, 2000.

Copy of Public Law 106-451, The Wartime Violation of Italian American Civil Liberties Act, calling for a Report by the Attorney General.

The Department of Justice Report (Cover)