U.S. Senator Jerry Moran applauded on April 29 the Senate’s confirmation of Robert Cekada as Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives by a vote of 59 to 39.
The confirmation is significant for federal law enforcement efforts, as ATF plays a key role in combating violent crime and supporting law enforcement agencies across the country.
Prior to the vote, Moran spoke on the Senate floor in support of Cekada’s nomination. “In my capacity as Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee that provides funding to the U.S. Department of Justice, including ATF, I have had many opportunities to get to know Rob,” Moran said. “He is an honorable man who believes in serving his community, enforcing the rule of law and promoting public safety. ATF is a significant component of our efforts to combat violent crime and support law enforcement, and I think no one is better prepared to lead this agency than Rob Cekada.”
Moran also described Cekada’s background during his remarks: “In his current role as Deputy Director of ATF, Mr. Cekada is a ‘law man.’ He worked the front lines as a New York City police officer and rose through the ranks of ATF.” Moran added that local sheriffs and police chiefs have expressed respect for Cekada’s work with state and local law enforcement partners.
Cekada was introduced by Moran at his nomination hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier this year. In November 2025, while serving as Deputy Director, Cekada joined Moran in Kansas for an announcement regarding relocating ATF’s Wichita Field Office to Wichita State University’s Innovation Campus. A new Crime Gun Intelligence Laboratory at that location is scheduled to open next month.
Moran has served seven terms representing Kansas’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives according to the official website. He also worked early in his career as a banker before entering Congress according to the official website. He holds an economics degree from Fort Hays State University and University of Kansas along with a Juris Doctor from University of Kansas School of Law according to the official website.
Moran serves on several committees including Veterans’ Affairs and Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry according to his official website. He has two daughters and four grandchildren according to information from his office.
Concluding his remarks about Cekada’s confirmation process on April 29th, Moran said: “I urge my colleagues to support his nomination, and Madam President, I yield the floor.”
