Durbin Statement On Chipman Nomination

Statement

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement after the White House withdrew the nomination of David Chipman to be Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF):

"ATF is a federal agency focused on reducing gun violence by enforcing the law and prohibiting the sale of firearms to convicted felons and other dangerous individuals. The gun industry resents their work as it limits sales and holds them accountable for violations of the law. That is why the gun lobby is determined to leave the Director's position vacant.

"David Chipman is the latest target of their concerted effort. In the name of the countless victims of gun violence in my state and across the nation, I encourage the Biden Administration to send another nominee to head ATF as soon as possible. We cannot be cowered by gun dealers who are flooding America with crime guns."

The ATF has been without a Senate-confirmed Director since 2015. In June, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Mr. Chipman's nomination with a vote of 11-11, with every Committee Democrat voting "aye."

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