Show Congressman to address graduates Cleova Williams Staff Writer Massachusetts Congressman Silvio O. O Conte will speak at Salt Lake Community College graduation ceremonies June 9 at 6 pm p.m. on the Quad Congressman Conte comes from Pittsfield Mass and he is the son of Italian immigrants During World War II he served with the Sea Seabees bees in the Southwest Pacific Theater Later he obtained his college education using the GI Bill at Boston College and Boston Law School Quickly establishing himself he graduated in 1949 and was vas elected to the State Senate in 1950 where he served for eight years In 1958 Conte was elected to the US House of Representatives He is now serving his successive term and has been in office office office of of- fice 31 years Conte has an outstanding attendance attendance attendance atten atten- dance record of more than 96 percent He has cast nearly votes Conte has sat on the House Appropriations Committee since his first election He moved up through the ranks until 1979 when he became a ranking minority member on that committee Conte is also the ranking minority member member member mem mem- ber of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor Health and Human Services and Education Because he obtained his college education with help from the GI Bill Conte has fought consistently to ensure the same opportunity for all students He has played a akey akey akey key roll in preserving Pell and grant programs as well as many other education related related related re re- re- re programs Conte has also su supported bills for research into cures against chronic and crippling dis dis- dis- dis eases Conte has said that a healthy population population population tion is our greatest natural resource He has also championed special education and care for the handicapped One of Cont Contes Conte's s keen interests is conserva conserva- tion He is a m member of the Migratory Birds Conservation Commission and is working to preserve wetlands and wilderness areas throughout the US In Congress he is fighting to clean up our nations nation's rivers and air There are several other committees Conte sits on including the Transportation and Legislative Branch Subcommittee and the House Small Business Committee Conte has received 22 Honorary Doctorate Degrees and many awards for his work in the House of Representatives Speaking with Conte will be two graduating students Cameron Cooper president will give a farewell speech to his class Mary Louise Gibby who auditioned for her speaking part will also address address address ad ad- dress the audience |