U.S. Senate Committee on Judiciary
02/02/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/03/2026 11:00
Durbin Meets With ATF Director Nominee
February 02, 2026
Durbin Meets With ATF Director Nominee
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after a courtesy meeting with Robert Cekada, nominated to be the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF):
"Almost one year after Attorney General Bondi's confirmation, the Justice Department has become a shell of its former self. It's been weaponized to fulfill one President's political goals.
"ATF could play an important role in tackling our gun violence epidemic and keeping the American people safe, but the Trump Administration's threatened budget cuts and realignment at ATF jeopardize its existence.
"I look forward to asking more questions of Mr. Cekada on his plans to protect this vital agency at his hearing."
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