CCRKBA CONGRATULATES ROBERT CEKADA AS NEW HEAD OF ATF

BELLEVUE, WA – The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms congratulates Robert Cekada on his Senate confirmation as the new director of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and for his quick signing of a package of proposed rule changes designed to reverse confusing regulations adopted during the Biden administration.

Cekada, a career law enforcement professional, brings plenty of experience to his new job, noted CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb.

“We’re impressed with Mr. Cekada’s background and with his intentions to change the ATF, while reinforcing the Trump administration’s philosophy that the Second Amendment is not a second-class right,” Gottlieb said. “We are looking over the proposed rule changes and we are confident they will result in a noticeable change of direction for the agency.”

Among the proposals is a rule which would “clarify regulations that govern the interstate transportation of firearms by lawful owners. The proposed rule formally recognizes that common, reasonably necessary activities during travel – including overnight stops, vehicle maintenance, refueling, emergency stops, and medical treatments – are considered as a necessary part of “transport,” and are therefore covered under the Firearms Owners’ Protection Act’s interstate transport protections. The proposed rule also updates requirements for transporting ammunition and firearm accessories and clarifies requirements for securing firearms during transit.”

“Unlike the past director under the previous administration, Cekada is a gun owner and he understands the Second Amendment,” Gottlieb observed. “We’re delighted that he recognizes there is still work to be done.”

Cekada was confirmed Wednesday by a vote of 59-39, and an hour later, he was at a press briefing on the 34 proposed rule changes.

“It definitely appears Mr. Cekada has hit the ground running,” Gottlieb said.