U.S.A. –-(AmmoLand.com)- The drama surrounding gun control advocate David Chipman’s nomination to head the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has taken on a new complexion as a dozen members of the U.S. House have signed onto an impeachment resolution to remove Chipman from a job he doesn’t yet have.
According to Fox News, Chipman’s confirmation is not a sure thing because five members of the U.S. Senate—Joe Manchin (W.Va.), Kyrsten Sinema (AZ), John Hickenlooper (CO), Jon Tester (MT) and Angus King (ME)—reportedly “remain undecided” on Chipman’s nomination. With a 50-50 Senate split, every Democrat would have to vote in the affirmative so Vice President Kamala Harris could cast the tie-breaking vote. If even one or two Democrats jump ship, Chipman’s nomination is toast.
But if Chipman is confirmed, there is still the impeachment resolution to consider. Fox News is reporting that Montana Congressman Matt Rosendale is spearheading the effort. He is reportedly joined by Reps. Bob Good of Virginia, Jeff Duncan and Ralph Norman of South Carolina, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Andrew Clyde and Jody Hice from Georgia, Diana Harshbarger of Tennessee, Scott Perry from Pennsylvania, Alex Mooney of West Virginia, Andy Harris from Maryland, and Paul Gosar from Arizona. All are Republicans.
In a statement quoted by Fox News, Rosendale observed, “The confirmation of David Chipman to the ATF would be a direct threat to the Second Amendment rights of Americans and the rule of law. Not only has Chipman previously given false testimony to Congress, but his statements on gun control are evidence that his confirmation would be a failure to support and defend our constitutional rights. If appointed, both are impeachable offenses and worthy of Congress to consider his removal.”
AmmoLand News has obtained a copy of the un-numbered resolution. There are two articles in the document: Failure to support and defend the Second Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, and Making False Statements to Congress.
The resolution asserts, “In his roles as a paid lobbyist and anti-Second Amendment advocate, David H. Chipman personally advocated, lobbied for, and expressed support for numerous policies which would violate and abridge the Second Amendment rights of Americans to keep and bear arms.”
A few paragraphs later, the resolution quotes former ATF Director Michael Sullivan who “expressed deep concern regarding the nomination of David H. Chipman stating that he ‘has taken such a strong and hostile position against the Second Amendment, as well as gun owners and some of the most popular firearms in the United States.’ Former Director Michael Sullivan further stated that ‘To effectively enforce [gun] laws, you have to be unbiased and apolitical. You can’t be partisan. Dave [Chipman] has shown himself to be a rabid partisan.’”
The three-page resolution probably doesn’t have a chance in the House with Democrats in the majority, but the fact that it was even introduced underscores the degree of discomfort some Republicans have with the Chipman nomination. His selection by Joe Biden—himself a career anti-gunner—seemed like a political reward to the gun control lobby for supporting Biden’s election last year. One of those vocal critics is Alan Gottlieb, chairman of the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, a national grassroots organization that has ripped the nomination since it was announced.
“Chipman’s nomination has the appearance of political patronage to an organization that steadfastly supports the president’s gun control agenda,” Gottlieb said two months ago. “Out of all the potential candidates to lead the agency, Joe Biden has picked the one individual whose nomination was guaranteed to ignite a political firestorm. At this point, it is fair to question why the president has done this. It looks like the president wants to put the gun prohibition lobby in charge of firearms regulation and enforcement.”
Chipman spent 25 years with the ATF before retiring a few years ago. Since then, he has worked with gun prohibition lobbying groups, most recently Giffords as a senior advisor, and before that Michael Bloomberg’s Mayors Against Illegal Guns. That background irreparably taints his nomination in the Second Amendment community and critics have said it would be like having a Republican president nominate the head of the National Rifle Association to take over ATF.
One issue that appears to be plaguing Chipman’s nomination is the allegation he lost his duty weapon. While it remains unverified, and there apparently is no record of such a loss, the question has not been answered to everyone’s satisfaction. Chipman has denied losing his gun.
Another problem is the allegation Chipman once made disparaging remarks about Black ATF agents after several scored high points on an agency test.
There is still no scheduled full Senate consideration of Chipman’s nomination.
RELATED:
- Senate Judiciary Deadlocks on Chipman; Gun Rights Groups to Keep Fighting
- Report: Chipman Nomination ‘Stuck in Limbo’ as Biden, Dems Target 2A
About Dave Workman
Dave Workman is a senior editor at TheGunMag.com and Liberty Park Press, author of multiple books on the Right to Keep & Bear Arms, and formerly an NRA-certified firearms instructor.
To serve in the U.S.A. you must first take a oath to defend the people, the constitution and the nation from all enemies, foreign and domestic. Chipman has, many times over the decades, proven he is a hater of certain parts of the constitution, in this case the 2A. This person was part of the Waco raid where men, women and children DIED IN A FIRE THAT DIDN’T HAVE TO HAPPEN. The 2A says “the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed”. The atfe was and remains in contempt of the constitution and our… Read more »
Did you make any calls to Tester?
I was able to speak with someone in the DC office and the Missoula office.
Both people were snippy and had the same response (almost verbatim) when I asked why Tester hasn’t made a statement opposing the appointment of Chipman. They both indicated Tester hasn’t had an opportunity to question Chipman.
I explained there has never been a worse candidate nominated for Director of the BATFE and Chipman’s past is quite indicative of his antipathy toward the 2nd Amendment. They both indicated they would share the information with Tester.
Put this into your search engine:
“Veterans opposing Chipman”
Zip. I’m shocked, shocked!
Used car salesmanship 101. Promote the best anti-gunner, push it really hard via biased media, then say, oh well, Senate, you are correct, he’s wrong for the job, forget him.
Then, the 2nd worst anti-gunner is nominated, he positively glows with his media halo firmly attached, and the media just shows crazy love, the Senate breathes a collective sigh of relief – how can you NOT approve this bi-partisan president’s choice – and guess what? Another spin down the drain towards Marxism…
Thank You! It is great to see that someone else recognizes this scam that has long been the tactic of the Anti-RKBA crowd. We see this stunt repeatedly in Congress to pass anti-RKBA legislation (and, of course, always with the blessing of our beloved NRA). This is a dance where everyone knows the steps: 1) The Democrats make an absurd proposal (either a bill or a nomination) that they know is so outrageous it cannot succeed (yes, they’d love it if it did, but they know it won’t pass). 2) NRA (and other RKBA organizations) raise the alarm — mostly… Read more »
“ALERTS” asking you to call only “your” reps – even if they’re committed gun grabbers in secure districts & states e.g. DiFi & Schumer – are feckless formulaic fundraising scams. Might as well have you put on a dunce cap before calling Schumer et ilk. If “ALERTS” were serious, they’d focus you on calling potentially vulnerable and therefore potentially receptive legislators in other districts & states, all of whom know you can donate or volunteer for or against them wherever you live. And they all drop the ball on the most effective form of “lobbying” – elections. Failing to focus… Read more »
It is a Psychological technique used in sales and politics for ages: propose the outrageous, then back off and propose what you really wanted, pitched as a compromise and win for the other side. It is moving the Overton window as well. It is used repeatedly because it works.
Thank you Matt Rosendale for spearheading the impeachment process to let the POS Chipman know that his time leading the BATF will be short even if he is confirmed . I E mailed Tester and he responded saying he would support our second amendment rights. I told him if he votes for Chipman he will be done in 2024 and we will know he is nothing more than a lying politician if he does not support the rights of the people of Montana and America .
The current house-senate composition means zero chance of a house majority forwarding to the senate, let alone a 2/3 senate vote to convict & remove. But it probably helps put pressure on Tester & the others not to confirm in the first place.
If you have time to read Ammoland, spend 2 minutes calling each if these senators. You will get an intern from highschool or college answering the call, who will mark a hash next to your position against Chipman, and a report goes to the senator at the end of the day. Same if you leave a message. Burning their phone lines and emailboxes does impact how they vote.
Remember, the most important thing to them is being re-elected. Call no matter where you live- they can’t tell and prefix on cells mean nothing these days.
YES! Amazing how many tiger talking chatroom commandos downvoted a list of contact information and talking points below.
Arizona, If you have called Tester, you would know they ask you where you live. Not that that matters. What is the fear people have for giving the person your name and address? Call his office, ask why he hasn’t issued a statement opposing the appointment of David Chipman as the Director of the BATFE. Specifically, state that Chipman is the most anti 2nd Amendment person ever nominated for that position and that Tester has repeatedly stated he is pro 2nd Amendment. The staffer will say that Senator Tester has not yet had and opportunity to interview Chipman. Inform the… Read more »
Arizona may not know that even if he called. They don’t ask anything if they don’t pick up and you leave a message. I’m not afraid to give them an address if they ask. Not mine, another address in my state. If they don’t have time to answer they phone, they don’t have time to verify addresses before logging your position. Nor is it rational to dismiss non-residents or liars. They know if you’re motivated to call & say you’re an MSSA donor even though you don’t live in MT, you’re a factor to be considered. Indeed, your activism, commitment,… Read more »
I don’t leave messages, I keep calling until I reach someone. As of yesterday, I’ve spoken to three different offices. Two of the staffers had identical responses.
I don’t know what MSSA’s plans are – the group I am referencing has not yet completed the paperwork to begin collecting donations.
Tester is afraid. A lot of farmers/ranchers have voted for Democrats like Tester for generations because of government taxpayer subsidies. A lot of those farmers/ranchers like their guns and Tester has been telling them he is not one of the those gun-grabbing kind of Democrats – he is just out to help the “working man” – you know, like FDR. Tester is afraid because the Chipman vote is truly the acid test. If he knows that people are watching him and will publicize his vote for Chipman, he may vote “no.” It’s too bad more people who make their living… Read more »
They’re more keen on bloviating (e.g. pretty much every pro-gun talking head on Ammoland), and downvoting the posts of effective activists (e.g. Will – not to be confused with Will Rogers)
One casual glimpse of the countenance of this horrendous candidate is all I need to make a assumptions about his character. Talk about wearing it on your sleeve! ☠️
How can someone as supposedly intelligent and reasoned as a United States Senator be undevoded about David Chipman. Either you are against him, or you are for him under false pretenses and you are avoiding saying so. And that is dishonest.
They shouldn’t even bother with him impeachment and he hasn’t been decided on why waste taxpayer money just find someone we can all agree on! The guy is a joke but also a serious threat to our gun rights and laws because he hates gun and he’s in the pocket of Biden, Harris, and other communists.
Someone we can agree on? Um…David Codrea?
Collins Iyare Idehen Jr , black gives him a point lawyer point young another point ,just need to hide those pesky pro second amendment videos
He hates guns only if they are in someone’s hands other then his own.
Even jokingly considering an anti-gun zealot like Chipman as the leader of a rouge, self policing (means NO policing), proven lying and innocent victim convicting outfit like the BATFE is almost unbelievable ! It is a bare naked attack on American Citizens Constitutional rights to keep and bear arms ! Besides not confirming this rabid individual, Congress needs to go one step further and completely erase the BATFE as it now stands and replace it with a fair and unbiased, constitution following, bureau ! One that will focus on enforcing the laws we already have on the books ! For… Read more »
Call 406-723-3277 and let the staffer know.
You can make a difference.
Dave Workman, please post the results of your call.
Dean Weingarten, please post the results of your call. It’s more important than yet another bear story.
If Tester votes against Chipman, you can say you were one of the people who made it happen.
Tester is on the fence – the staffer seemed concerned about billboards going up in Montana that farmers will see.
Jim Grant, please post the results of your call.
Dude still looks like Gary Bussey after a long Labor Day weekend meth binge.
Try searching on this:
“Black Rifle Coffee Company Chipman”
No relevant results. In other words, BRCC does crap for 2A?
Exactly.
As Stag indicated, they are pro-gun, not pro 2nd Amendment.
Try this:
“Black Rifle Coffee Company Donates to Kyle Rittenhouse”
I understand they trashed him instead.
No one has been able to explain to me how it helps 2A or the USA to overpay for coffee so BRCC can shove money in the pockets, trash patriots & donate to gun grabbers. Does wearing a dunce cap help too?
They are a bunch of drama llamas and haven’t done anything significant to support rights protected by the 2nd Amendment.
Dean has a simplistic approach to journalism. For his article, he never got beyond:
NYT, bad
Veterans, good
What if we paid BRCC twice their listed price for coffee to prove we like veterans and guns? Wouldn’t politicians notice and do what we want? Surely they wouldn’t dismiss us as chumps, right?
The hypocrisy of BRCC is sickening. Too many people on “the right” fall for “they’re veterans, so they are good” appeal. John McCain was a veteran, John Kerry is a veteran, Richard Blumenthal is a veteran, Tammy Duckworth is kind of a veteran, Dan Crenshaw is a veteran, a large percentage of the people doing bad things at Ruby Ridge, Waco, and Katrina were veterans. I don’t care what price BRCC charges for their coffee, but their entire business plan (starting with their company name) is based on an image of being pro 2nd Amendment and their actions and inactions… Read more »
Imagining that massively overpaying tattooed hipster vets for coffee helps save the USA is even more clueless & irresponsible than donating to the RNC or NRA-ILA instead of individual candidates.
Buy Jose’s for 1/4 the price, donate the savings to a viable hard ass 2A conservative in a primary or general.
I haven’t been able to get through yet, but Tester’s contact info for people who would like to let him know their thoughts on Chipman:
Jon Tester
(202) 224-2644
See contact info below from an alert on filibuster a few months ago. I took the liberty of editing talking points re Chipman, but they’re nearly identical. Contrary to conventional herd-think by major gun groups who waste our time nagging committed enemies like DiFi & Schumer in secure seats, there’s no good reason only to call “your” own reps. Every legislator has an incentive to listen: They know you can donate or volunteer for or against them, wherever you live. Same reason they listen to lobbyists from other states or countries. Most staffs don’t even ask where you’re from anyway.… Read more »
Thank you.
All is well, though – they do sell this:
https://www.blackriflecoffee.com/collections/medium-roast/products/thin-blue-line-limited-edition-blend?variant=8496054723
Merica!
No doubt. I said something similar here.
https://www.ammoland.com/2021/07/black-rifle-coffee-co-painted-as-anti-customer-by-nyt-magazine/#axzz71OxeolJf
Brofus and his bros.
People read the article and their comment is the NYT is anti 2nd Amendment. Hello 1930’s.
The future is bleak.
Did you make your calls?
Typical major gun group. All Talk, No Action. What’s the message really? “Two months ago, Alan Gottlieb proclaimed Chipman bad. He is very bad indeed. [Send us money!]” Yes Dave, we all know Chipman is bad. Yet Ammoland talking heads DO NOTHING about it THEMSELVES – just talk – nor do they take responsibility for their bully pulpit BY providing useful tactical info to DO ANYTHING about it. e.g. Jon Tester, MT, next election 2024. MT went 60-40 for Trump. City, Zip, Phone: Billings, 59101, 406-252-0550 Bozeman 59715, 406-586-4450 Butte, 59701, 406-723-3277 Great Falls, 59401, 406-452-9585 Helena, 59601, 406-449-5401 Kalispell, 59901, 406-257-3360 Missoula, 59802, 406-728-3003 DC 202-224-2644… Read more »
Waste of time calling Lickinpooper. Did you call Tester, Manchin, Sinema?
Did you call Tester-Manchin-Sinema? Or just Trust The Plan & wait for Q?
Crickets chirping…
Reposting: Jon Tester, MT, next election 2024. MT went ~60-40 for Trump. DC 202-224-2644 City, Zip, Phone Billings, zip 59101 406-252-0550 Bozeman 59715 406-586-4450 Butte, 59701, 406-723-3277 Great Falls, 59401, 406-452-9585 Helena, 59601, 406-449-5401 Kalispell, 59901, 406-257-3360 Missoula, 59802, 406-728-3003 I don’t live in Montana, but I ‘self-identify’ with those zip codes! Joe Manchin, WV, next election 2024. WV went ~70-30 for Trump. Charleston, WV 25302 304-342-5855 Martinsburg, WV 25404 304-264-4626 Fairmont, WV 26554 304-368-0567 Washington D.C. 202-224-3954 Tester-Manchin talking points: * You’ve always run as a pro-gun candidate. * You represent a pro-gun state. * You would not be a senator without the high grades NRA used to give you. *… Read more »
You are getting downvotes for providing contact information for people to actually get involved.
Tester’s phone lines should be ringing non-stop.
How many people who constantly talk about “civil war” or “revolutionary war” or fighting the “blue helmets,” have even taken the time to make a few phone calls, provided a reasoned comment to the staffer, and provided their name (scary!) and zip code?
How many people who point out that the NYT is no friend of freedom (like it’s some revelation) have called BRCC and asked them why they have not put out a statement opposing Chipman’s appointment?
He-She who downvotes legislator contact info is de facto anti-gun. Is it Will, not to be confused with Will Rogers? I can’t see who does it. I suspect it’s a thin-skinned vindictive “moderator” acting like a woman scorned, since it usually manages to downvote nearly all my posts within seconds. I also suspect the “moderator” is using sock puppets for additional downvotes. See for example:
https://www.ammoland.com/2021/07/boebert-going-supreme-court-defend-your-rights/#comment-2887024
I encourage people to call the Butte number 406-723-3277.
The staffer claims that if Tester votes for Chipman, that doesn’t mean he’s against the 2nd Amendment.
Please let her know that is not the case.
Harold Hutchinson, it’s time to act. Please post the results of your call. Tester is on the fence, but he needs to know people are watching. The staffer gave the same old tired BS about Tester being “pro 2nd Amendment” because he owns a gun and he’s a rancher. Harold, let everyone know what you did to convince her that owning a gun and being a rancher means abosolutely nothing and that if Tester votes for Chipman you will personally help finance billboards in Montana to let every farmer in the state know that Tester is working to destroy the… Read more »
That basic anti-gun statement has always pissed me off: “I even own a gun, but…”