Rodriguez is a former prosecutor and at Wilmer Hale, a powerful corporate law and lobbying firm. She was nominated for a judgeship in the U.S. District Court of Colorado by former President Barack Obama in 2016 but not considered by the U.S. Senate. Biden has nominated her to the same position.
On Feb. 3, Democratic Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper of Colorado wrote a letter to Biden, to choose Rodriguez. On Tuesday, they cheered his decision to do so.
“Regina is an exceptionally qualified nominee and her long track record of community service and pro-bono work demonstrates a deeply held commitment to Colorado’s children, working families and underserved communities,” the senators said in a joint statement.
Rodriguez by Demand Justice, a liberal group, for being a corporate lawyer and former prosecutor. That group has urged Biden to instead appoint more civil rights attorneys and public defenders to the federal bench.
Rodriguez’s nomination now goes to the U.S. Senate, where it will be considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee and, if approved there, by the full Senate. Rodriguez will need a majority of votes in the Senate to be confirmed.
