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Sen. Cory Booker confronts Kash Patel at congressional hearing

newsSep 15, 202621297

Senator Cory Booker, D-NJ, sharply questioned FBI Director Kash Patel at a congressional hearing over Patel's handling of bureau resources and personnel policies. Lawmakers disputed Patel's efforts to gather information on a New York Times journalist who reported that Patel used a SWAT detail to protect his girlfriend, and during the exchange Patel told lawmakers, "Stop falsely attacking me." Patel defended the FBI's spring decision to end automatic hiring disqualifications for some prostitution and bestiality cases, saying the change helps protect trafficking victims and insisting the bureau is not "into bestiality." Republican Senator John Kennedy, R-La., also pressed Patel, asking, "what planet did you parachute in from?" The hearing focused on Patel's management choices and hiring standards and prompted pointed cross-examination from both parties about the bureau's conduct and priorities.