FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 12, 2022
PRESS CONTACT: Will Pregman, wpregman@battlebornprogress.org, 702.752.0656

Battle Born Progress Statement on Bipartisan Confirmation of Steven Dettelbach as ATF Director 

NEVADA – Today the Senate voted 48-46 to confirm former U.S. Attorney Steven Dettelbach as Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). President Biden nominated Dettelbach earlier this year to the position after a 7-year vacancy in permanent leadership at ATF. Following this confirmation, Maria-Teresa Liebermann-Parraga, Deputy Director of Battle Born Progress issued the following statement: 

“The nomination and confirmation of Steven Dettelbach to the ATF Director position shows us that President Biden is willing to put forth strong candidates with quality skills for administrative roles that are crucial in our country. The ATF has been without permanent leadership for 7 years. This is unacceptable considering their role in preventing gun violence by taking action against firearm trafficking and overseeing the gun industry. We need a qualified ATF Director and Steven Dettelbach has proven throughout his career that he is dedicated to supporting victims and survivors in their quest for justice. Over the course of Dettelbach’s career, he has pursued extremists and violent criminals including leading the prosecution of the Toledo Mosque Arsonist. As we see more extremism on the rise, we need an ATF leader who is experienced in fighting white supremacists and extremists.”  

“Both of Nevada’s Senators supported Dettelbach’s nomination and now his confirmation as ATF Director. Senator Jacky Rosen and Senator Cortez-Masto have maintained their commitment to ending gun violence and supporting common-sense policies that will address the gun violence epidemic. We are proud that they also recognize the importance of a strong, qualified leader at ATF. The confirmation of Steven Dettelbach will start the process of rebuilding ATF to make it an agency that works for the people. This means ensuring that the ATF is actively working to prevent gun trafficking and provide oversight to the industry.”

“Dettelbach has received bipartisan support from prosecutors, law enforcement, and elected officials. This support speaks to his qualifications and his experience. The ATF needs a leader who can prioritize victims and survivors, hold the gun industry accountable, and recognize we face threats from extremism. We are proud to support Dettelbach and grateful that he has been confirmed to lead the ATF.”

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