Senator (unknown)

I look forward to hearing about the various budget requests, but we should acknowledge that we are not gathered here at this hearing at a normal time, because what we are learning about what's happening at the FBI is anything but normal.

Director Patel, as you ask for more taxpayer resources, we cannot look away from the credible, extremely troubling reports about your misconduct at the FBI.

And Director Patel, these reports about your conduct

including reports of your being so drunk and hungover that your staff had to force entry into your home, are extremely alarming.

If true, they demonstrate a gross dereliction of your duty and a betrayal of public trust.

Multiple reports, including reporting by The Atlantic, have alleged episodes of excessive drinking, unexplained absences, and behavior that concerned current and former FBI and DOJ officials.

You have publicly denied those allegations and filed a defamation lawsuit.

So today, as you testify before Congress, is it your testimony that those allegations are categorically false?

So there have been no occasions during your tenure when FBI personnel were unable to promptly reach you?

Absolutely not.

at the lobby dark was you.

As you know, the prime suspect committed suicide just as the government was getting ready to charge him with the attacks that killed five people and made 17 others sick.

As you know, the prime suspect committed suicide just as the government was getting ready to charge him with the attacks that killed five people and made 17 others sick.

I didn't ask him directly because he's answered that question repeatedly as his lawyers have. My purpose in going there was to, number one, see if he was alive, see if he was healthy, take his story.

I didn't ask him directly because he's answered that question repeatedly as his lawyers have. My purpose in going there was to, number one, see if he was alive, see if he was healthy, take his story.

I want to be very clear. I'm not vouching for the man. I'm vouching for the man's rights.

I want to be very clear. I'm not vouching for the man. I'm vouching for the man's rights.

This was an officially cleared congressional trip. So taxpayer dollars. Yes, like every other trip. Like the trip Kristi Noem took with her fashion show before Seacott. Nice.

This was an officially cleared congressional trip. So taxpayer dollars. Yes, like every other trip. Like the trip Kristi Noem took with her fashion show before Seacott. Nice.

That's a shirt.