‘Before I Die?’: GOP Senator Confronts FBI Director Patel

Kash Patel testifies in front of the House Committee on Appropriations

Kash Patel testifies in front of the House Committee on Appropriations, Kash Patel (left) listens to Tulsi Gabbard, Senator Patty Murray (Democrat, Wash.), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Kash Patel, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kash Patel in Washington, D.C., Kennedy speaks to reporters at the Lod Cook Hotel, Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA)

FBI Director Kash Patel has informed senators that he supports a White House proposal to cut his agency’s budget by about $545 million, a notable shift from his earlier request for additional funding. Less than 24 hours after requesting more resources, Patel testified before a House appropriations panel that the agency would accept the budget as it stands, representing a roughly 5 percent decrease. During the hearing, Patel acknowledged that the proposed cuts would reduce the agency's budget to levels not seen in 14 years, impacting its ability to fulfill its mission.

In this photo gallery, we explore Patel's stance.

Kash Patel (left) listens to Tulsi Gabbard

Kash Patel testifies in front of the House Committee on Appropriations, Kash Patel (left) listens to Tulsi Gabbard, Senator Patty Murray (Democrat, Wash.), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Kash Patel, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kash Patel in Washington, D.C., Kennedy speaks to reporters at the Lod Cook Hotel, Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA)

Patel said, “We can’t do the mission on those 2011 budget levels."

Senator Patty Murray (Democrat, Wash.)

Kash Patel testifies in front of the House Committee on Appropriations, Kash Patel (left) listens to Tulsi Gabbard, Senator Patty Murray (Democrat, Wash.), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Kash Patel, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kash Patel in Washington, D.C., Kennedy speaks to reporters at the Lod Cook Hotel, Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA)

Patel admitted he did not yet know what specific reductions would be necessary to comply with the new budget. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) criticized the FBI for missing the deadline to submit its spending plan for the current year. The lack of a detailed budget made it challenging for lawmakers to obtain meaningful information about the agency's financial management.

Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee Senator Patty Murray (D-WA)

Kash Patel testifies in front of the House Committee on Appropriations, Kash Patel (left) listens to Tulsi Gabbard, Senator Patty Murray (Democrat, Wash.), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Kash Patel, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kash Patel in Washington, D.C., Kennedy speaks to reporters at the Lod Cook Hotel, Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA)

Murray said, “Well, you asked if I was weaponizing the FBI, and I am not. I’m giving you the hard concrete examples of the men and women putting handcuffs on bad people, doing harm to our children, and innocent Americans. I do not see a weaponization."

Kash Patel, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation

Kash Patel testifies in front of the House Committee on Appropriations, Kash Patel (left) listens to Tulsi Gabbard, Senator Patty Murray (Democrat, Wash.), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Kash Patel, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kash Patel in Washington, D.C., Kennedy speaks to reporters at the Lod Cook Hotel, Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA)

Patel said, “But you have placed on leave FBI employees responsible for the investigation of January 6th. That sounds political to me.”

Kash Patel in Washington, D.C.

Kash Patel testifies in front of the House Committee on Appropriations, Kash Patel (left) listens to Tulsi Gabbard, Senator Patty Murray (Democrat, Wash.), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Kash Patel, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kash Patel in Washington, D.C., Kennedy speaks to reporters at the Lod Cook Hotel, Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA)

Patel added that he thinks "the common theme here is you putting words in my mouth, and I’m not going to tolerate it! Nor will the men and women of the FBI.”

Kash Patel at the Senate Committee on Intelligence hearing to examine worldwide threats

Kash Patel testifies in front of the House Committee on Appropriations, Kash Patel (left) listens to Tulsi Gabbard, Senator Patty Murray (Democrat, Wash.), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Kash Patel, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kash Patel in Washington, D.C., Kennedy speaks to reporters at the Lod Cook Hotel, Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA)

Lawmakers expressed concern over Patel's change in position, as public disagreements between federal agencies and the administration regarding budget requests are rare. The situation has escalated existing Republican worries about the budget plan and the dysfunction of the federal budget process.

Kennedy speaks to reporters at the Lod Cook Hotel

Kash Patel testifies in front of the House Committee on Appropriations, Kash Patel (left) listens to Tulsi Gabbard, Senator Patty Murray (Democrat, Wash.), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Kash Patel, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kash Patel in Washington, D.C., Kennedy speaks to reporters at the Lod Cook Hotel, Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA)

Referring to Patel’s work on a House Intelligence Committee investigation into alleged surveillance abuses by the FBI and DOJ, Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) asked, “When do you think you’ll have it done, Kash?” to which Patel answered, “I think in the near future, sir.”

Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA)

Kash Patel testifies in front of the House Committee on Appropriations, Kash Patel (left) listens to Tulsi Gabbard, Senator Patty Murray (Democrat, Wash.), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Kash Patel, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kash Patel in Washington, D.C., Kennedy speaks to reporters at the Lod Cook Hotel, Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA)

Kennedy asked, “Like before I die?” Patel stated, “Senator, we’ve been working on that, and we’re doing it in a way that protects victims and also doesn’t put out into the ether information that is irrelevant.”

John Baker covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.

Post Related