Steptoe Partner Appointed to Congressional Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism

(May 15, 2008, Washington, DC) – Steptoe & Johnson LLP, a leading international law firm, announces the appointment of partner Richard R. Verma to the Congressional Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism.

Mr. Verma’s appointment, and that of eight other distinguished commissioners, was made public by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Republican Leader John Boehner, and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell.

The Commission will research and assess current programs aimed at controlling the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Its responsibilities include reviewing existing initiatives and programs, facilitating interagency coordination, defining responsibilities of relevant government and non-government actors, encouraging international cooperation, evaluating threats of weapons of mass destruction proliferation and terrorism to the United States and its allies, and revisiting and updating the 2001 Report Card on the Department of Energy's Nonproliferation Programs with Russia (also known as the Baker-Cutler Report).  After 180 days, the Commission will compile a report of their findings and make specific recommendations based on them.

A partner in Steptoe’s Government Affairs & Public Policy and International practices, Mr. Verma rejoined the firm at the end of 2007, after holding numerous high-level public service positions.  From 2002 to 2007, he served as Senior National Security Advisor to Senator Reid.

Mr. Verma holds degrees from Lehigh University (B.S.), American University’s Washington College of Law (J.D.), and Georgetown University Law Center (LL.M.).  He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the Board of Advisors of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, the Board of the Marsh Institute for Public and Government Policy at Shenandoah University, and the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Critical Infrastructure Protection and the Law.

About Steptoe & Johnson LLP
With more than 485 attorneys, Steptoe & Johnson LLP provides counsel and representation in a wide range of legal fields.  In more than 60 years of practice, the firm has gained a national and international reputation for vigorous representation of clients before governmental agencies, successful advocacy in litigation and arbitration, and creative and practical advice in guiding business transactions.  The firm has offices in Washington, New York, Chicago, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Century City, London, and Brussels.