Senate confirms Robert Cekada as ATF director in bipartisan vote

The Senate voted 59-39 to confirm Robert Cekada as ATF director in a bipartisan vote. Cekada, who joined the ATF in 2005, became only the third person confirmed as ATF director since 2006. Six Democrats—Fetterman, Hassan, Kaine, King, Klobuchar, and Shaheen—voted yes with all Republicans. The ATF had been led by acting directors for most years due to political gridlock over the position. (AP News, Apr. 29, 2026)