Nomination of David H. Chipman

Floor Speech

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Mr. McCONNELL. On one final matter, I have already discussed how the Biden administration has nominated a proud and proven opponent of American's constitutional rights to run the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

I don't think there could be any more evidence that David Chipman is the wrong choice to serve as the top Federal administrator of firearms policy. He has a long record of hostility to lawful gun owners, a variety of complaints from those who worked with him in the past.

How could it get worse?

Mr. Chipman has suggested radical and sweeping steps, like banning private sales that are lawful, overriding State laws, and imposing sweeping restrictions on a class of weapons he has yet to clearly define.

Among some current and former ATF agents, he has earned a concerning reputation as a ``bully'' and ``activist'' whose extreme views threaten to undermine the trust the Agency needs to conduct oversight. And sources within the ATF have also come forward describing alleged racially discriminatory comments the nominee made in the workplace regarding personnel decisions.

So even a few days ago, it was not difficult to realize this is an instance in which the Senate, on a bipartisan basis, should take a pass. But somehow, in just the last few days, it has actually gotten worse.

Earlier this week, news reports indicated that Mr. Chipman had failed to disclose to our colleagues on the Judiciary Committee a TV appearance he made several years ago. This wasn't just any TV appearance; Mr. Chipman had granted an interview to a propaganda network overseen by the Chinese Government.

A new letter to the Senate, signed by seven former career ATF agents, summed it up this way: Mr. Chipman's views and record would ``create serious and long-lasting problems for the Bureau and the effective execution of its law enforcement mission.''

The Senate has spent quite enough time flirting with this profoundly misguided nomination. The American people deserve a trustworthy steward leading the ATF, with a record of respecting their rights and respecting his or her colleagues. It is long past time the Biden administration revisit this decision and send us somebody who fits that description.

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