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Following several horrific mass shootings in the US, the Senate has confirmed President Joe Biden’s nominee to lead the federal agency that regulates firearms. This would be the first time the agency would have a permanent director in seven years.
The Senate this week confirmed Biden’s nominee, Steve Dettelbach, to lead the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Dettelbach would be leading the federal agency that would regulate firearms in the country as the first permanent director in seven years.
Dettelbach was narrowly confirmed with the support of 48 Democratic and two Republican Senators, with 46 opposing. Dettelbach would oversee an agency with 5,000 employees, half of which are ballistics experts investigating gun-related crimes. The ATF is also the agency that regulates the firearms industry.
“After years of obstruction by the gun lobby, the Senate has finally confirmed a permanent director to lead the ATF,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in a statement.
“While certainly not a panacea to the gun violence epidemic plaguing our nation, having Mr. Dettelbach at the helm of the ATF will ensure the feds have all hands on deck in the fight to stop gun trafficking, prevent illegal possession of firearms, and make sure our kids can’t get their hands on dangerous weapons,” Schumer added.
Biden previously nominated former ATF agent David Chipman for the post but had to withdraw his nomination last year as Chipman did not gain the support of all Democratic Senators. Dettelbach’s confirmation also comes as the White House recently held an event celebrating the passage of the first major legislation tackling gun safety in 30 years.
Aside from Dettelbach, the Senate also confirmed former US Treasury official Michael Barr to become the newest member of the Federal Reserve Board Wednesday. Barr was confirmed by a 66-28 vote and began a procedural vote to advance his nomination to become the Federal Reserve’s vice chair of supervision.
Barr’s confirmation to become the vice chair of supervision is also expected to take place on the same day. It remains to be seen if Barr will be sworn in on time for the Federal Reserve’s next policy-setting meeting at the end of the month.
