The National Rifle Association confirmed Tuesday that it would remain neutral in the confirmation of Todd Jones to head the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, giving Jones a big boost in winning Senate approval, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
It is unclear why the NRA, a long time foe of the ATF, is not opposing Jones, although the powerful gun lobby’s director of public affairs confirmed that the organization would neither support nor fight the nomination.
Jones is the current acting director of ATF–a post he has held since September 2011. He also serves at the United States Attorney for Minnesota.
A Senate vote is expected Wednesday or Thursday.
