Will we finally have a permanent director for the ATF?

Fragile Filibuster Deal Nearly Falls Apart Over ATF Director

At the last minute, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) changed her ‘no’ vote to ‘yes,’ which will likely end up being the key vote. After her vote, 59 ‘yes’ votes had been cast for Jones, and senators said the vote was being held open while Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) was en route to Washington from North Dakota to cast the 60th vote.

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Murkowski changed her vote after speaking to McCain and Susan Collins (R-ME), both of whom voted yes, on the floor. The Alaskan declined to talk to reporters afterward. Democrats expected her to vote yes but privately believe she was initially talked out of it.

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Senate leaders expect to keep the vote open until about 7 P.M. ET. A spokesperson for Heitkamp told TPM she’s “currently on her way to Washington from North Dakota” that “if the vote is held open, she would like to be able to cast her vote.”

If confirmed, Jones would become the first permanent ATF director since the position was made subject to Senate confirmation seven years ago.