Firearms Owners Against Crime
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
From: "Senator Pat Toomey" <pat_noreply@toomey.senate.gov>
Sent: Thursday, July 1, 2021 12:54pm
To:
Subject: Reply from U.S. Senator Pat Toomey
July 1, 2021
Dear XXXX,
Thank you for contacting me about the nomination of David Chipman to be the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). I appreciate hearing from you.
Like many Pennsylvanians, I have long been a supporter of the Second Amendment. Americans have an individual right to bear arms for self-protection, hunting, and recreation. During my time in the Senate, I have consistently defended Second Amendment rights. For instance, I have voted against a ban on certain semi-automatic firearms and for national concealed carry reciprocity.
That said, there have been renewed calls for Congress to take action to confront gun violence in the wake of mass shootings. I do believe that Congress can and should take steps to address this issue. Firearms should be used responsibly and safely. People who use guns in an illegal manner should be punished to the fullest extent of the law, and firearms should be kept out of the hands of terrorists, convicted criminals, and the dangerously mentally ill.
To that end, ATF is the agency within the Department of Justice that enforces federal laws related to firearms, as well as those on alcohol, tobacco, explosives, and arson. Specific to firearms, ATF's actions include investigating and enforcing federal law against violent criminals and criminal organizations engaged in the illegal use, acquisition, and trafficking of firearms. Among its authorities, ATF is also responsible for regulating the firearm industry, which can significantly affect the rights and responsibilities of gun owners as well.
On April 12, 2021, President Joe Biden nominated David Chipman to be the Director of ATF. Currently, Mr. Chipman works as a senior policy advisor for Giffords, which is an advocacy group that focuses on firearm policy. Previously, Mr. Chipman served at ATF for twenty-five years in a variety of positions. Mr. Chipman's nomination is currently pending before the Senate Judiciary Committee, of which I am not a member. Please be assured that I understand your views, and will keep them in mind as the Senate considers Mr. Chipman for this important position.Thank you again for your correspondence. Do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I can be of assistance.
Sincerely,
Pat Toomey
U.S. Senator, Pennsylvania