Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) said Wednesday he’s “hopeful” that Todd Jones, President Obama’s nominee to serve as director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, will be confirmed by the Senate.
“I’m very hopeful about both the politics and the prospects of the nomination advancing because I truly believe this nomination should have bipartisan support,” Blumenthal said during a press call hosted by the Democratic-aligned group Americans United for Change.
The Connecticut Democrat said that the likelihood of confirmation is directly tied to whether or not the nomination is brought to an up-or-down vote.
“I believe if he’s given a vote, he will be confirmed,” Blumenthal added. “And the question is: will he be given an up or down vote?”
ATF has not had a full time director in seven years due largely to ongoing Republican opposition.
