FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 26, 1999

SCHUMER LAUDS PRESIDENT'S NOMINATION OF VICTOR MARRERO TO FEDERAL DISTRICT JUDGESHIP

US Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that President Clinton has backed his recommendation and nominated Victor Marrero to be a judge in the Federal District Court for the Southern District in New York.

"Victor Marrero has dedicated his career to public service," said Schumer. "Ambassador Marrero is a leader within the Hispanic community, and has represented the people of New York admirably at every level of government. Whether working in an international or local capacity, he has shown a keen insight into the law and an intellect that will make him a model member of the judiciary."

Marrero is currently serving as United States Ambassador to the Organization of American States, a post he has held since 1998. Prior to this position, Marrero was the US Representative on the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

In the Carter Administration, Marrero was an Under Secretary of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. He has also served as Commissioner of the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal and as Vice Chairman of the New York State Housing Finance Agency. Marrero had also served in a variety of positions in the administrations of New York City Mayors Dinkins, Koch, Beame and Lindsey.

A member of numerous civic organizations, Marrero has served on the boards of the New York Public Library, the State University of New York, the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund, the Fund for New York City Public Education, the Association of the Bar of the City of New York, and the New York City Partnership. Marrero was also Chairman of the State Chief Judge's Committee to Improve the Availability of Legal Services and the Mayor of New York's Management Advisory Committee and Commission on the Homeless.

Marrero was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, and moved to New York City with his parents when he was 10 years-old. After graduation from the Bronx High School of Science in 1960, he was awarded a full scholarship to New York University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1964. After winning a Fulbright Scholarship, Marrero attended Yale Law School and graduated in 1968.

"President Clinton has made an excellent choice with his nomination of Victor Marrero," Schumer said. "Marrero has the ability and knowledge to be a judge that can make the law work for all people."

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A photograph of Sen. Schumer and Mr. Marrero can be downloaded at: http://schumer.senate.gov