U.S. Congress
Here's a look at documents from all members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate
Featured Stories
Rep. Gill Bill Cracks Down on DC Crime, Headed to House Floor
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, issued the following news release:
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Rep. Gill Bill Cracks Down on DC Crime, Headed to House Floor
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Congressman Brandon Gill's (TX-26) DC Juvenile Sentencing Reform Act yesterday passed the House Committee on Oversight and Government markup and is eligible for consideration on the House floor.
"Under President Trump's bold leadership, Washington D.C. is being rapidly restored from decades of being a crime-riddled hellhole," said Rep. Gill. "My new legislation ensures people who commit heinous crimes of assault, robbery, and sexual
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, issued the following news release:
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Rep. Gill Bill Cracks Down on DC Crime, Headed to House Floor
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Congressman Brandon Gill's (TX-26) DC Juvenile Sentencing Reform Act yesterday passed the House Committee on Oversight and Government markup and is eligible for consideration on the House floor.
"Under President Trump's bold leadership, Washington D.C. is being rapidly restored from decades of being a crime-riddled hellhole," said Rep. Gill. "My new legislation ensures people who commit heinous crimes of assault, robbery, and sexualabuse can be charged as a felon in court. This is a long-needed reform to DC's governance. In President Trump's America, our capital city will be safe and secure for Americans to enjoy."
Rep. Gill introduced the DC Juvenile Sentencing Reform Act, which lowers the age of eligibility for juveniles to be transferred from juvenile court to felony court for certain violent crimes down from age 16 to 14.
Under current law, minors under 16 are generally under the jurisdiction of the D.C. Family Court for juvenile matters. The legislation would lower the threshold to 14, meaning that minors 14 and older can be placed under adult criminal court jurisdiction. The violent crimes covered are murder, first-degree sexual abuse, burglary in the first degree, robbery while armed, or assault with intent to commit any such offense. Moreover, the legislation would result in an increase in the number of cases that the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia can try.
"We can't develop strong communities in America if our streets aren't safe - and we can't enter a Golden Age if our national capitol is full of crime. The Bull Moose Project supports the DC Juvenile Sentencing Reform Act and commends Rep. Gill for taking on this crucial issue," said Aiden Buzzetti, President of the Bull Moose Project.
Cosponsors (2): Reps. Burchett, Higgins
Supporting Groups: Bull Moose Project
Background:
* In 2024, Washington, D.C.'s homicide rate was 27.3 per 1,000,000 residents (link is external). This was the fourth highest in the country. In 2022, the D.C. council passed a pro-crime, anti-police bill called the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Act (link is external), proving they don't take the problem of crime seriously and Congress must act.
* In D.C., there have been steady increases since 2020 (link is external) in crimes committed by people under the age of 18. To make matters worse, many of these criminals have already been arrested for violent crimes. In 2024, nearly 200 juveniles arrested (link is external) for violent crimes had prior violent crime arrests. Violent criminals should not be treated like children and given lenient sentences only to commit more crimes and endanger our constituents.
* In 2021, Uber Eats Driver Mohammed Anwar was killed in Washington, D.C., during an altercation after two teenage girls attempted to carjack him. One of the criminals was 15 years old, charged with felony murder, received the maximum possible sentence under D.C. law, and will be out on the street when she turns 21 years old. If enacted before the murder, the legislation would have made it much easier for the criminal to be tried as an adult for felony murder, possibly resulting in a life sentence instead of a slap on the wrist.
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Original text here: https://gill.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gill-bill-cracks-down-dc-crime-headed-house-floor
Chairman Guthrie Announces Full Committee Markup of Seven Bills
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Kentucky, chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following news release on Sept. 15, 2025:
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Chairman Guthrie Announces Full Committee Markup of Seven Bills
Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, announced a Full Committee markup of seven bills.
WHAT: Full Committee Markup
DATE: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
TIME: 10:00 AM ET
LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building
Items to be considered:
* H.R. 2493, Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Kentucky, chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following news release on Sept. 15, 2025:
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Chairman Guthrie Announces Full Committee Markup of Seven Bills
Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, announced a Full Committee markup of seven bills.
WHAT: Full Committee Markup
DATE: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
TIME: 10:00 AM ET
LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building
Items to be considered:
* H.R. 2493, Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Actof 2025 (Rep. Carter of GA)
* H.R. 3419, To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs. (Rep. Valadao)
* H.R. 2846, To amend title II of the Public Health Service Act to include as an additional right or privilege of commissioned officers of the Public Health Service (and their beneficiaries) certain leave provided under title 10, United States Code to commissioned officers of the Army (or their beneficiaries). (Rep. Houlahan)
* H.R. 1262, Give Kids a Chance Act of 2025 (Rep. McCaul)
* H.R.1843, To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to increase transparency in generic drug applications (Rep. Dunn)
* H.R. 3302, Healthy Start Reauthorization Act of 2025 (Rep. Ocasio-Cortez)
* H.R. 979, AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 (Reps. Bilirakis and Pallone)
This notice is at the direction of the Chairman. The markup will be open to the public and press and will be live streamed online at energycommerce.house.gov. If you have any questions concerning the hearing, please contact Jessica Donlon with the Committee staff at Jessica.Donlon@mail.house.gov. If you have any press-related questions, please contact Matt VanHyfte at Matt.Vanhyfte@mail.house.gov.
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Original text here: https://energycommerce.house.gov/posts/chairman-guthrie-announces-full-committee-markup-of-seven-bills
Chairman Cruz Calls for Recognition of Taiwan at the International Civil Aviation Organization General Assembly
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, issued the following news release:
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Chairman Cruz Calls for Recognition of Taiwan at the International Civil Aviation Organization General Assembly
ICAO's failure to recognize Taiwan's sovereignty emboldens China and harms value of international aviation standards
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U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy urging the U.S. to lead efforts
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, issued the following news release:
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Chairman Cruz Calls for Recognition of Taiwan at the International Civil Aviation Organization General Assembly
ICAO's failure to recognize Taiwan's sovereignty emboldens China and harms value of international aviation standards
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U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy urging the U.S. to lead effortsadvocating for Taiwan's full membership and participation in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as a matter of aviation safety and national security.
ICAO will convene in Montreal next week to address issues in the global aviation industry. In the letter, Sen. Cruz highlights the role Taiwan plays in international aviation, noting that Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport is one of the busiest hubs in Asia. He argues that excluding Taiwan from ICAO's General Assembly limits the organization's effectiveness in establishing global aviation standards.
He also warns that China will continue to attempt to block Taiwan from participating, a part of its broader strategy to weaken the island's defenses before a potential military invasion. To combat China's growing aggression, the U.S. must stand firm in championing Taiwan's inclusion in ICAO.
Sen. Cruz explains: "The CCP's pressure campaign to exclude Taiwan's participation in ICAO is no longer an underhanded tactic to deny Taiwan's sovereignty but rather a deliberate strategy to diminish its ability to protect itself from a future military invasion. At a time when the CCP is intensifying its aggression against Taiwan and openly preparing for the possibility of a full-scale invasion, the United States must stand firm in opposing this authoritarian campaign. Failure to do so jeopardizes national security interests and emboldens the CCP's march toward conflict."
In September 2022, Sen. Cruz and Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) sent a letter to ICAO about their exclusion of the Taiwanese from meaningful participation in their tri-annual Assembly. He later introduced a bipartisan bill alongside Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) mandating the administration develop a strategy to end the ICAO's exclusion of Taiwan.
Read the full letter here (https://www.commerce.senate.gov/services/files/A29F55BD-4FC4-4E96-BA15-078817FDF902) or below:
"On September 23rd, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will convene its 42nd General Assembly in Montreal to discuss the most urgent challenges facing the global aviation industry, including the safety, security, and efficiency of civilian international air travel. Ahead of the Assembly, the United States should lead the world in urging ICAO to allow Taiwan to participate with the full privileges of a Member State.
"All 193 Member States, along with numerous international organizations, are invited to participate. Each Member State is entitled to one vote, and a simple majority determines passage and enactment of international law. In effect, the Assembly serves as the governing authority for global aviation safety and regulatory standards, making membership indispensable to preserving the highest levels of safety and security in international air travel.
"Yet, noticeably absent from this important Assembly is Taiwan. Taiwan is not only a reliable ally of the United States but also a key hub for civilian air travel in East Asia and an essential partner in regional and global security. Excluding Taiwan from membership in ICAO undermines the value of setting international standards, as well as both international aviation safety and broader national security.
"Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport, located 25 miles west of Taipei, is one of the busiest and largest airports in Asia by passenger volume, regularly handling over 40 million passengers and more than two million tons of freight. Excluding Taiwan from attending or participating in ICAO's General Assembly dilutes the integrity of any standards adopted therein. International law is being shaped without a critical participant in its system, and a regional ally.
"ICAO's systematic exclusion of Taiwan from meaningful participation has been a result of coercion by the government of the People's Republic of China and its Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The CCP's pressure campaign to exclude Taiwan's participation in ICAO is no longer an underhanded tactic to deny Taiwan's sovereignty but rather could be a deliberate strategy to diminish its ability to protect itself from a future military invasion. At a time when the CCP is intensifying its aggression against Taiwan and openly preparing for the possibility of a full-scale invasion, the United States must stand firm in opposing this authoritarian campaign. Failure to do so jeopardizes national security interests and emboldens the CCP's march toward conflict.
"The People's Republic of China fragrantly violates international law with near-daily incursions into Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). Since 2024, Chinese military jets have engaged in intimidation tactics, directly threatening Taiwan's sovereignty and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Such actions clearly contravene ICAO's own principles and the international rules governing safe airspace operations. Yet China faces no accountability within ICAO, due in large part to the silencing of Taiwan's voice on the international stage. Deprived of membership, Taiwan cannot advocate for its rights, its airspace, or the broader security of global aviation.
"As the 42nd General Assembly approaches, the United States must take the lead in advocating for Taiwanese representation and inclusion as an official participant. ICAO extending an invitation of participation to Taiwan is crucial. Taiwan's rightful place at ICAO is not only a matter of fairness--it is an urgent necessity for the safety of international commercial aviation and the preservation of peace in the East Asia region.
"Thank you for your attention to this matter."
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Original text here: https://www.commerce.senate.gov/2025/9/chairman-cruz-calls-for-recognition-of-taiwan-at-the-international-civil-aviation-organization-general-assembly
Chair Lee Delivers Opening Remarks at Subcommittee Hearing on Maintaining Election Operations in the Face of Natural Disasters
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Laurel Lee, chairman of the House Administration Subcommittee on Elections, issued the following news release on Sept. 16, 2025:
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Chair Lee Delivers Opening Remarks at Subcommittee Hearing on Maintaining Election Operations in the Face of Natural Disasters
Chair Laurel Lee (FL-15) opened today's Subcommittee on Elections Hearing titled, "Maintaining Election Operations in the Face of Natural Disasters."
Chairwoman Lee's full opening statement as prepared for delivery:
Free, fair, and secure elections are critical to the democratic process.
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Laurel Lee, chairman of the House Administration Subcommittee on Elections, issued the following news release on Sept. 16, 2025:
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Chair Lee Delivers Opening Remarks at Subcommittee Hearing on Maintaining Election Operations in the Face of Natural Disasters
Chair Laurel Lee (FL-15) opened today's Subcommittee on Elections Hearing titled, "Maintaining Election Operations in the Face of Natural Disasters."
Chairwoman Lee's full opening statement as prepared for delivery:
Free, fair, and secure elections are critical to the democratic process.
The Committee on House Administration has broad oversight of federal election policy.
Today, the Subcommittee on Elections continues that oversight with a discussion on election administration during a natural disaster.
While laws dictate the time, manner, and place for elections, one factor out of our control is the weather.
Federal general elections coincide with hurricane season, and the 2024 general election demonstrated firsthand how Mother Nature can impact election administration.
While natural disasters may not be the first thing that comes to mind for election administration, our local leaders must prepare for disasters that could strike at any moment.
In the case of Hurricane Helene, millions of Americans faced unexpected obstacles when it was time to cast their ballots, and election officials did their best to ensure that every legal ballot was counted.
Today, we will examine how state and local election officials dealt with both logistical and physical problems while administering elections in the aftermath of storms. Their experiences will show how preparation and planning for emergency weather is crucial to secure elections and voter access.
As the former Secretary of State for the state of Florida, which has been hit by more hurricanes than any other state since 1851, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to administer an election in the face of a natural disaster.
Our witnesses today have faced similar challenges when administering elections during extreme weather or while their state is trying to recover from storm damage.
Both North Carolina and Florida have been left devastated by hurricanes, and today, they will highlight best practices for ensuring smooth election operations before and after a natural disaster strikes.
Before a natural disaster strikes, state and local election officials should have a strategy in place and be prepared to execute well-planned modifications to keep the election secure, maintain voter confidence, and protect high voter turnout.
These preparation and planning efforts can help election officials, voters, and state and local jurisdictions ensure that ballots can be cast on time, and in a safe manner.
Additionally, election officials should undergo training to address additional unexpected scenarios that a natural disaster could cause before, during, and after Election Day.
Clear and effective communication to eligible voters in the case of an emergency is critical.
North Carolina and Florida have each implemented best practices and shown success in ensuring voters' voices are still heard when a natural disaster strikes close to an election.
Today's hearing will detail these best practices as an example for state and local officials across the country.
Election laws in North Carolina and Florida demonstrate that statutes can authorize flexible and appropriate responses to natural disasters close to Election Day.
Consistency in election processes increases trust amongst voters. However, natural disasters threaten consistency, particularly when they hit close to an election.
No matter the circumstances, voters must be confident that their voices will be heard.
I thank our witnesses for being here today, and I look forward to our discussion.
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Original text here: https://cha.house.gov/press-releases?ID=D8EA85AB-FF17-4B11-BC58-6DA9E518743B
Catawba Nation Chief Harris Testifies Before House Natural Resources Subcommittee
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs released the following testimony by Catawba Nation Chief Brian Harris from a Sept. 9, 2025, hearing on legislation to amend the Catawba Indian Tribe of South Carolina Land Claims Settlement Act of 1993 (H.R. 4463):
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Chairman Hurd, Ranking Member Leger Fernandez, and Members of the Subcommittee:
On behalf of the Catawba Indian Nation, I would like to thank you for holding this hearing and for considering H.R.4463, a bill to amend the Catawba Indian Tribe of South Carolina Land Claims Settlement
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs released the following testimony by Catawba Nation Chief Brian Harris from a Sept. 9, 2025, hearing on legislation to amend the Catawba Indian Tribe of South Carolina Land Claims Settlement Act of 1993 (H.R. 4463):
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Chairman Hurd, Ranking Member Leger Fernandez, and Members of the Subcommittee:
On behalf of the Catawba Indian Nation, I would like to thank you for holding this hearing and for considering H.R.4463, a bill to amend the Catawba Indian Tribe of South Carolina Land Claims SettlementAct of 1993. We deeply appreciate Congressman Norman's leadership in introducing this important bill.
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What the Bill Does
This bill strikes a portion of a single sentence from Section 7(d) of the Catawba Indian Tribe of South Carolina Land Claims Settlement Act of 1993 (P.L. 103116). That clause currently prevents the Tribe from enrolling any new citizen unless that person is a lineal descendant of an individual on the 1962 final roll and has maintained "continued political relations" with the Tribe.
If enacted, this bill would restore to the Tribe the authority to determine its own citizenship criteria as outlined in its Constitution--a right that is fundamental to tribal sovereignty.
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Why the Bill Is Needed
When Congress enacted the Settlement Act in 1993, it was to resolve the Tribe's longstanding land claims and provide for a monetary settlement. The federal eligibility standard included in Section 7(d) was designed to help the Bureau of Indian Affairs and other federal agencies identify individuals who were entitled to share in that distribution. In our view, it was not intended to permanently limit the Tribe's authority to define its political community.
Those monetary distributions were completed decades ago. The federal enrollment restriction has long since outlived its original purpose and now serves only to constrain the Tribe's ability to manage its own citizenship.
In addition, the clause imposes a vague standard--"continued political relations"--that is legally undefined and administratively difficult to apply. Tribal staff must interpret whether an applicant has demonstrated sufficient political connection to the Tribe, which could create confusion.
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Impact of the Bill
We understand that some may be concerned about whether this bill would open the door to unchecked enrollment expansion. We want to be clear: it will not.
The Tribe's own Constitution remains in full force and will continue to govern citizenship. Under that Constitution, all applicants must prove lineal descent from individuals listed on either the 1943 or 1962 tribal rolls, and each application is verified through DNA testing and supporting documentation. These requirements are strict and rigorously enforced.
Moreover, over the past five years, the Tribe has admitted approximately 200 new citizens per year. Denials based on the federal clause have been rare. Most rejections result from a lack of documentary evidence or DNA results disproving claimed parentage. In short, this bill is unlikely to meaningfully alter the number of individuals enrolled each year.
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Conclusion
Congress has long recognized that the right to determine membership lies at the heart of tribal sovereignty. This bill simply removes an outdated federal restriction that no longer serves a purpose and reaffirms that principle of self-determination.
We thank this Subcommittee for its attention to this matter and urge your support of H.R. 4463. We would be pleased to answer any questions you may have.
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BIA Director Mercier Testifies Before House Natural Resources Subcommittee
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs released the following testimony by Bryan Mercier, director, U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, from a Sept. 9, 2025, hearing on legislation affecting tribal nations:
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Good afternoon Chairman Hurd, Ranking Member Leger Fernandez, and Members of the Subcommittee, I am Bryan Mercier, Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs at the Department of the Interior (Department). Thank you for the opportunity to testify today on legislation affecting Tribal Nations. The Department appreciates
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs released the following testimony by Bryan Mercier, director, U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, from a Sept. 9, 2025, hearing on legislation affecting tribal nations:
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Good afternoon Chairman Hurd, Ranking Member Leger Fernandez, and Members of the Subcommittee, I am Bryan Mercier, Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs at the Department of the Interior (Department). Thank you for the opportunity to testify today on legislation affecting Tribal Nations. The Department appreciatesthe Subcommittee's continued leadership in advancing tribal sovereignty, land management, and community resilience.
H.R. 681, To amend the Act of August 9, 1955 (commonly known as the "Long-Term Leasing Act"), to authorize leases of up to 99 years for land held in trust for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), and for other purposes H.R. 681 would amend the Long-Term Leasing Act so that the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) can agree to leases of their lands for extended terms. This legislation would provide parity with other federally recognized tribes that already possess long-term leasing authority. The Department supports the authority for the Tribes to enter into leases for 99 years as tribal governments are in the best position to determine the duration of such leases.
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H.R. 3654, Tribal Emergency Response Resources Act (TERRA Act)
The Department supports the intent of H.R. 3654, which would streamline access to federal resources for tribes facing environmental threats and natural disasters. Modeled after the successful "477 Program," the Act would authorize integration of federal funding under a single tribal plan, designate the Department as lead agency, and recognize Traditional Ecological Knowledge in planning. This legislation would enhance tribal sovereignty, improve interagency coordination, and reduce administrative burdens. We look forward to working with the sponsor and the Subcommittee to ensure efficient and effective implementation.
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H.R. 3925, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Land Exchange Act
H.R. 3925 would authorize a land exchange between the United States and the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. The exchange would respect tribal sovereignty, consolidate federal land holdings, and enhance stewardship of the San Bernardino National Forest. The Department looks forward to working with the sponsor and the Subcommittee to ensure that all applicable easements and encumbrances are provided to the Department prior to finalizing the exchange. The Department defers to the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding the disposition of lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service under this bill.
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H.R. 4463, To amend the Catawba Indian Tribe of South Carolina Land Claims Settlement Act of 1993
The Department supports H.R. 4463, which would modernize membership criteria by removing the requirement of "continued political relations." Membership is a matter of inherent tribal sovereignty, and this amendment provides clarity and fairness without affecting the Tribe's government-to-government relationship, land base, or federal funding. The bill reflects a respectful update to tribal enrollment consistent with self-determination.
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Conclusion
Thank you, and I am pleased to answer any questions the Subcommittee may have.
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Original text here: https://docs.house.gov/meetings/II/II24/20250909/118583/HHRG-119-II24-Wstate-MercierB-20250909.pdf
Ahead of Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing With FBI Director Patel, Durbin Highlights FBI Officials Forced Out Under Patel's Direction
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Illinois, ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following news release on Sept. 15, 2025:
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Ahead of Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing With FBI Director Patel, Durbin Highlights FBI Officials Forced Out Under Patel's Direction
Durbin: The American people deserve an FBI that is focused on keeping them safe & protecting their constitutional rights. Instead, what they are getting is an FBI that prioritizes political retribution
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Ahead of tomorrow's Senate Judiciary Committee hearing with Federal Bureau of Investigation
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Illinois, ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following news release on Sept. 15, 2025:
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Ahead of Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing With FBI Director Patel, Durbin Highlights FBI Officials Forced Out Under Patel's Direction
Durbin: The American people deserve an FBI that is focused on keeping them safe & protecting their constitutional rights. Instead, what they are getting is an FBI that prioritizes political retribution
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Ahead of tomorrow's Senate Judiciary Committee hearing with Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI) Director Kash Patel, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered a speech on the Senate floor condemning Patel's partisan and incompetent mismanagement of the FBI. During his speech, Durbin also highlighted senior FBI officials who have been forced out under the direction of Patel.
Tomorrow's hearing will be the first time Director Patel will testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee as Director.
"In just the first weeks of this Administration, we witnessed the unprecedented and forced removal of dozens of senior FBI officials--decorated, career professionals who spent their lives protecting this country from terrorism, espionage, and cyberattacks," said Durbin. "These patriots swore an oath to defend the Constitution and served Republican and Democratic Presidents alike. They were shown the door for one reason: political retribution. Don't take my word for it. Just last week, former acting FBI Director Brian Driscoll filed a federal lawsuit accusing Director Patel and other Trump officials of orchestrating a politically motivated purge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation."
Durbin continued, "According to this lawsuit though, Mr. Driscoll said [that] Mr. Patel said, 'the FBI tried to put the President in jail, and he hasn't forgotten it.' And no one, up-and-down the chain of command, has been spared from this retribution. All six of the FBI's Executive Assistant Directors--gone under the Trump Administration. At least 18 Special Agents in Charge [SACs] of major field offices--gone. As many as 5,000 nonpartisan, career public servants--gone."
During his floor speech, Durbin highlighted Mr. Driscoll's service at the FBI. For nearly two decades, Mr. Driscoll held some of the Bureau's most demanding and sensitive assignments: serving on a SWAT team, leading the elite Hostage Rescue Team, and serving as tactical section chief for the Critical Incident Response Group. For his bravery under fire during tactical operations, Mr. Driscoll was awarded both the FBI Medal of Valor and the Shield of Bravery, among the highest honors the Bureau can bestow. Mr. Driscoll was forced out after he resisted the White House's demand that he produce a list of thousands of FBI personnel who worked on investigations related to the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Durbin then highlighted the service of Mehtab Syed, who worked for the FBI for nearly 20 years. She rose from counterterrorism assignments and overseas postings in Islamabad and Amman to senior leadership in cyber and counterintelligence. She was the Special Agent in Charge of the Salt Lake City Field Office. She should be leading the investigation of the horrific assassination of Charlie Kirk,. but she was forced out this summer because she was "not a good fit."
"We don't know exactly what impact her steady and experienced leadership would have had on this investigation. But we lost a talented, dedicated person whose talents were applied for the safety of our country. We do know that the person who pushed her out, Director Patel, quickly took to social media and falsely announced that the suspect was in custody, only to be forced to walk back those claims," said Durbin.
At least 18 Special Agents in Charge (SAC), the FBI's top leaders in the field, have been forced into retirement, removed, or reassigned to diminished roles. These men and women oversee hundreds of agents and manage some of the most sensitive and complex investigations in the country. Many of these SACs have spent their careers in counterintelligence and cyber operations, defending this country against hostile foreign powers, espionage, and cyberattacks.
"Many [SACs] devoted decades to civil rights enforcement, public corruption cases, and violent crime investigations--ensuring that state and local law enforcement across the country were working closely with seasoned federal law enforcement leaders they could trust," said Durbin. "Still others rose from frontline criminal work to lead major field offices. Their backgrounds range from forensic science to counterintelligence, skills that are not easily replaced and are desperately needed. Director Patel's foolhardy decision to force out this leadership has hallowed out this important agency. It has cost the Bureau decades of institutional knowledge and diminished its capacity to respond to the greatest threats facing our nation."
In his remarks, Durbin highlighted these dedicated professionals, and so many more, were fired, forced out, or reassigned to diminished roles because they had the courage to do their jobs--whether that meant investigating the January 6th riot, preventing domestic terrorist plots, pursuing corruption, or upholding the rule of law. The FBI Agents Association has warned that this purge will "severely weaken the Bureau's ability to protect the country from national security and criminal threats and ultimately risk setting up the Bureau for failure."
"At a moment when foreign adversaries are shredding our cyber defenses, when terrorist organizations remain determined to strike, when violent crime continues to threaten our communities, we are losing the very people best equipped to respond. The American people deserve an FBI that is focused on keeping them safe and protecting their constitutional rights. Instead, what they are getting is an FBI that prioritizes political retribution and the Director's social media clout," Durbin concluded. "Tomorrow, I will press Director Patel on his decisions to weaken the FBI--[the very agency that] is designed to protect our American families by forcing out its most experienced public servants, at the expense of our national security and public safety."
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Video of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is available here (https://youtu.be/lo-b7WjP1fs).
Audio of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is available here (https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/audio/listen/ahead-of-senate-judiciary-committee-hearing-with-fbi-director-patel-durbin-highlights-fbi-officials-forced-out-under-patels-direction).
Footage of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is available here (https://lfts2.senate.gov/w/aqtKzP17bnotyuUjmXHcohSuhIuwkj63dJr2xvGWUvg74) for TV Stations.
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Original text here: https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/press/dem/releases/ahead-of-senate-judiciary-committee-hearing-with-fbi-director-patel-durbin-highlights-fbi-officials-forced-out-under-patels-direction
