Democratic Rep DeLauro Challenges AG Bondi Over ATF, DEA Budget Cuts

At a congressional hearing, Democratic Representative Rosa DeLauro challenged Attorney General Pam Bondi over proposed budget cuts to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), expressing concern that a 26% cut to the ATF and a 4.4% cut to the DEA would hinder their ability to combat gun and drug trafficking, including fentanyl, at the southern border. Bondi defended the cuts and an agency merger, stating that the ATF would be merged into the DEA to improve efficiency and that agents would focus on illegal activities rather than targeting lawful gun owners. DeLauro repeatedly interrupted Bondi, demanding specific answers about how many law enforcement officers would be lost due to funding cuts, accusing the Trump administration of undermining federal law enforcement efforts. Bondi emphasized her experience as a career prosecutor and insisted the agencies would work more effectively together to keep America safe. The exchange was marked by tension, with DeLauro accusing Bondi of filibustering and Bondi asserting she was answering the questions posed. This confrontation highlights the political friction over federal agency funding and strategies for tackling illegal gun and drug trafficking under President Donald Trump's administration.