Frank Pallone

Washington, D.C. [11-04-02] A veteran congressman, Frank Pallone (D-NJ) has made his reputation as a strong environmental advocate and a proponent of health care. On November 5th, the Tufts graduate -- who received his masters from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in 1974 - hopes to earn his eighth term in the House of Representative for the 6th district of New Jersey.

Since 1995, Pallone has been a co-chairman of both the Democratic Task Force on Health Care Reform and the House Democratic Environmental Task Force. The Tufts graduate has also been instrumental in the Communications of the Democratic Policy Committee and the Democratic Steering Committee.

The congressman recently made headlines when he wrote a letter to President Bush urging attention to Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf's efforts to restructure the Pakistani government.

"I request that you and your administration take these extreme actions by Musharraf into consideration for any future talks with Pakistan and that the United States use its influence to encourage a return to democracy in Pakistan," the Congressman wrote.

Pallone - a member and co-founder of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans -- was recently awarded with a Padma Bhushan from India. The honor - which is the country's third highest civilian award - was given for his contribution towards establishing closer ties between India and the U.S.

In 2001, the Representative was also named "Legislator of the Year" by the New Jersey Association of Broadcasters.

According to recent polls, Pallone -- who won reelection in November 2000 with 68 percent of the vote - is heavily favored to retain his seat.