FAWCO honors Senator Rockefeller & Congresswoman Maloney

May, 2002

On the occasion of Overseas Americans Week, May 6-9, 2002, FAWCO President Pam Dalhgren presented the first two FAWCO Circles of Honor ever awarded outside the federation to Senator John D. Rockefeller IV (WV) and Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY), "in grateful recognition of their consistent efforts on behalf of all overseas Americans". Both have introduced legislation aimed at improving election procedures for those voting from abroad and at including overseas Americans in the U.S. Census. Senator Rockefeller is also responsible for legislation in 1992 which made it possible for U.S. citizens to be employed in American embassies and consulates abroad. At that time, former AWC Brussels member Denise Liebowitz, now back in Washington, worked closely with the Senator's staff to achieve this breakthrough. Having lived abroad himself, he has a special understanding for the overseas community, stating in 1992 that "Pride of citizenship is not a product of place."