To: orl-llc
Subject: In response to your message on the nomination of David Chipman to serve as the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
Dear ORL-LLC,
Thank you for contacting me regarding the nomination of David Chipman to serve as Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) at the Department of Justice. I appreciate hearing from you.
The Constitution charges the Senate with advising on and consenting to presidential nominees to a number of executive branch offices, and I take this responsibility very seriously. In reviewing each individual, I consider their record and experience to see if he or she would bring to the position the requisite talent, integrity, and expertise. The ATF Director plays a critical role in protecting our communities from criminal organizations, acts of arson and bombings, illegal diversion of alcohol and tobacco products, and the illegal trafficking of firearms.
David Chipman served for 25 years as a Special Agent for ATF. During his law enforcement tenure, he investigated firearms trafficking operations, served as a member of a specialized tactical team, and was named the Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Firearms Programs. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Community Partnerships for Public Safety in honor of his efforts aimed at preventing gun deaths in targeted US cities.
I have heard from Oregonians concerned about the positions that Mr. Chipman has taken related to gun violence prevention. As a native of rural Oregon, I recognize the importance of gun ownership for security, hunting, target shooting, and gun collecting. At the same time, in light of the many senseless tragedies in public places across the country, I believe it is appropriate to work together to take action to reduce gun violence and keep guns out of the hands of criminals and those who are unstable or unwell. We can reduce gun violence and still respect the Second Amendment.
The nomination of the ATF Director falls under the jurisdiction of the Senate Judiciary Committee, of which I am not a member. Please know I will closely review Mr. Chipman’s record as he makes his way through the confirmation process. Should his nomination come before the full Senate for a vote, I will keep your views in mind.
Thank you, again, for sharing your thoughts with me. I hope you will continue to send your thoughts and observations my way.
All my best,
Jeffrey A. Merkley
United States Senator
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