[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 73 (Monday, April 27, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S2046]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                      Nomination of Robert Cekada

  Mr. MORAN. Madam President, later this evening, the Senate will 
consider the nomination of Robert Cekada to serve as the Director of 
the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, or what we 
call the ATF.
  In my capacity as the chairman of the Appropriations subcommittee 
that provides funding to the U.S. Department of Justice, including the 
ATF, I have had many opportunities to get to know Rob.
  In his current role as the Deputy Director of the ATF, Mr. Cekada is 
a ``lawman.'' He worked the frontlines as a New York City police 
officer and rose through the ranks of the ATF. He is an honorable man 
who believes in serving his community, enforcing the rule of law, and 
promoting public safety.
  The ATF is a multifaceted Agency, and its regulation of firearms--a 
constitutionally protected right--has made it, at times, a politically 
challenging Agency to lead.
  Rob's work and influence with State and local law enforcement is 
often demonstrated to me in the conversations I have with local 
sheriffs and police chiefs. Their respect for Rob is apparent, and 
Kansas law enforcement has shared with me how the ATF's partnerships 
have helped reduce gun violence in their areas.
  This was evident when Rob was in Wichita last November to help 
announce the opening of the ATF's new field office--an effort that 
reflected his commitment to strengthening partnerships on the ground 
and supporting law enforcement where they need it the most. That same 
approach carries through in the Agency's broader work, including its 
leadership in crime gun intelligence, particularly through the National 
Integrated Ballistic Information Network, or NIBIN, which has been a 
game changer for fighting violent crime.
  In Kansas, Wichita State University supports this work, and next 
month, we will open a new Crime Gun Intelligence Laboratory on campus, 
further expanding the ATF's ability to provide cutting-edge forensic 
support to law enforcement nationwide.
  Simply put, the ATF is a significant component of our efforts to 
combat violent crime and to support law enforcement, and I think no one 
is better prepared to lead this Agency than Rob Cekada.
  I urge my colleagues to support his nomination.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Rhode Island.
  Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
5:30 scheduled vote begin immediately.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.