Norton Appoints María E. Holleran Rivera to Her Federal Law Enforcement Nominating Commission

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today announced María E. Holleran Rivera as the newest member of her Federal Law Enforcement Nominating Commission. The Commission screens and recommends candidates for important federal law enforcement positions in the District of Columbia from whom Norton chooses her recommendations to the President. Rivera, who recently retired from federal government service, has extensive experience working as an attorney for both the federal and District of Columbia governments. Rivera is a past president and board member of the Hispanic Bar Association of the District of Columbia. From 2000-2012, she worked for the U.S. Department of Energy, most recently as a foreign affairs specialist from 2008-2012. From 1983-1999, Rivera worked in the District's Office of the Corporation Counsel, now known as the Office of the Attorney General. Rivera was born in Puerto Rico and grew up in New York City. She is a resident of Ward 1. The Commission, chaired by Pauline Schneider, a special counsel at Ballard Spahr LLP and former president of the D.C. Bar., consists of lawyers and laypeople from all of the city's wards.

"María E. Holleran Rivera's distinguished background as an attorney for both the federal and D.C. governments and in Hispanic legal affairs make her especially well qualified to help select candidates for important federal positions," Norton said. "She is deeply rooted in our city and in our legal community. Her background in the D.C. and federal governments is a welcome addition to our commission."

President Obama, like President Clinton, granted Norton senatorial courtesy to recommend federal district court judges, the U.S. Attorney, and other federal law enforcement officials in the District. Norton's Commission consists of 17 D.C. residents.