Political Quotes

“David Chipman is the nominee for the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Agency. I know a bit about him because he went through the Agency process. He is a veteran of over 20 years working for this Agency. We need him. I will tell you why we need him. In the history of the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Agency, there has only been one person who has served--I believe it is from your State of Minnesota. There is only one person who served as the confirmed Director of the Agency. Otherwise, over and over again, it goes without any leadership. You say: Well, is that just an accident that this Agency never has a Director? I don't think it is an accident at all. You see, the gun lobby, when they want to make their case against new gun laws, always say the same thing: ``Well, just enforce the laws on the books. You don't need new laws. Enforce the laws on the books.'' If you bought that premise, then the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Agency is one of the agencies that does that. So if you can weaken this Agency--fewer agents, fewer employees, fewer supervisors, no Director--then the actual enforcement that is being done by this Agency is diminished. So, now, President Biden brings us Mr. Chipman. There are two parts of his career that should be noted: Over 20 years at ATF, involved in some of the most serious investigations, and did an incredible job. After he left the ATF, he went to work for a gun safety group.…”