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Statement

STATEMENT OF KRISTIN ROWE-FINKBEINER, Executive Director, MomsRising.org, On Nomination of B. Todd Jones To Serve as Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

June 11, 2013
Gun Control

Lisa Lederer, 202-371-1996

Leader of Moms Group Urges “Yes” Vote on Nominee for ATF Director
“The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has not had a director in six years. This is outrageous but can be rectified if the Senate moves quickly to confirm B. Todd Jones to this position.
 
“As the bureau charged with enforcing federal laws regarding firearms, the ATF plays a crucial role in keeping our families and children safe. Without the leadership and focus of an official director, the bureau is less capable of carrying out its mandate to prevent violent crime. That leadership is needed now, more than ever.
 
“Jones became interim chief the ATF in 2011 to steady the distressed agency in the wake of the failed gun-running operation, ‘Fast and Furious.’ His capable handling of the tragic shooting deaths of 26 first graders and educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, last December, prompted President Obama to nominate him as permanent ATF Director to give the long-rudderless agency stability and focus.
 
“Jones’ record and experience, including holding the position of Acting Director of the ATF for nearly two years while still serving as US Attorney in Minnesota, make him the right person for the job. His relationships with law enforcement and his ability to work with victims and victims’ rights advocates are impressive.
 
“We urge the Senate Judiciary Committee to send Jones’ nomination to the Senate floor and we would urge every Senator to consider the important role the ATF plays in helping to safeguard our children from violence and vote to confirm Todd Jones.”
 

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MomsRising.org is an on-the-ground and online grassroots organization of more than a million people who are working to increase family economic security, decrease discrimination against women and moms, and to build a nation where businesses and families can thrive. Established in 2006, MomsRising and its members are organizing and speaking out to improve public policy and to change the national dialogue on issues that are critically important to America’s families, including criminal justice reform, immigration policy reform, and gun safety. MomsRising is working for paid family and medical leave, affordable, high quality childcare and early learning, and for an end to the wage and hiring discrimination which penalizes women — particularly moms and women of color — and so many others. MomsRising advocates for access to healthy food for all kids, health care for all, earned sick days, and breastfeeding rights so that all children can have a healthy start. MomsRising maintains a Spanish language website: MamásConPoder.org. Sign up online at www.MomsRising.org — and follow us on our blog, and on Twitter and Facebook.