WASHINGTON – In the wake of cost-cutting throughout the federal government and a proposed merger of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Drug Enforcement Administration, Attorney General Pam Bondi said no cuts are planned for the ATF and its facility on Redstone Arsenal.
Bondi made her comments during a hearing Monday before the Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Subcommittee.
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong, vice chairman of the subcommittee, spoke with Bondi on Huntsville’s role while ensuring agents have what they need to fight crime and deliver justice.
“There are no cuts planned for that,” Bondi said. “And that’s where ATF and DEA, again, can partner. The drugs and guns go together; those agents will be working hand in hand at that facility and many others throughout our country.”
Bondi highlighted Huntsville’s “remarkable” DOJ presence, which includes the FBI, Hazardous Devices School, Terrorist Explosive Device Analytic Center, Ballistics Research Facility, ATF’s National Center for Explosive Training and Research Center, the U.S. Bomb Data Center, and the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network National Correlation and Training Center.
Strong (R-Huntsville) asked Bondi if she supports the FBI’s plans to move personnel and programs from the D.C. area to Redstone Arsenal.
“Yes, we are moving 500 additional personnel from D.C. to Alabama, to Redstone,” Bondi said. “Redstone is a state-of-the-art facility. It will enhance everything we do. Training for FBI, training for other employees, and Huntsville provides the most cost-effective location with distinct partnership opportunities, and we support all of that that’s happening, and I look forward to visiting it one day.”
