Norton Asks Secret Service to Avoid Inconveniences to D.C. Residents and Businesses

Norton Asks Secret Service to Avoid Inconveniences to D.C. Residents and Businesses

August 17, 2010

WASHINGTON, DC -- Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) sent a letter today to U.S. Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan after receiving complaints at "Norton in Your Neighborhood" community meetings from constituents about inconveniences when the Secret Service secures a facility or a neighborhood. Norton wrote, "As a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I fully understand that security concerns necessitate that the Secret Service take certain action in our city. However, I am writing to urge that, whenever possible, some advance notice of the closure of a facility be given without, of course, indicating the reason. For businesses, every effort should be made to afford some customer access if possible." In her letter, she said that she believes that the inconveniences can be resolved. Norton has worked closely with federal officials since 9/11 to ensure that the District remains as open and accessible as possible for D.C. residents and visitors alike without compromising security.

Norton has held several "Norton in Your Neighborhood" community meetings in recent months on voting rights and other approaches to full empowerment for the District, as well as other federal issues of concern to D.C. residents.