In our society, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) functions as the FDA of guns. For this reason, pro-NRA politicians have always been hostile to the ATF, a law enforcement agency of the US Dept. of Justice. In 2006, Congress decided that the position of Director of the ATF must henceforth require Senate confirmation. They have since refused to confirm anyone. Having a full time Director is the only way the agency can effectively enforce the common sense gun laws already on the books. And it is the first step to decreasing the gun violence across the US. Demand that Congress confirm President Obama's nominee for Director of ATF.
Why is this important?
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has been without a full time Director for over six years. As a retired supervisory ATF agent and gun owner, I find this problematic as we try to agree upon new sensible laws and regulations.
