FBI Director Kash Patel to Testify Before Senate Committee on 2027 Budget Request

FBI Director Kash Patel is scheduled to testify before the Senate Appropriations Committee on May 12, 2026. The hearing, set for Tuesday afternoon, concerns the 2027 budget request. Patel will appear alongside the heads of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

While the session focuses on funding, Patel is expected to face questions about the alleged misuse of FBI resources for travel. In February 2026, Patel joined Team USA hockey locker room celebrations in Italy shortly after the team won the gold medal. He had meetings in Italy prior to attending the game.

Ben Williamson, an FBI spokesperson, said on social media that Patel's trip had been previously scheduled. Williamson added that any other personal expenses would be reimbursed. Lawmakers are also expected to ask about a story in The Atlantic that alleged Kash Patel has had bouts of excessive drinking and job performance issues.

He sued The Atlantic over the article, demanding $250 million in damages. Asked about the article during an unrelated press conference last month, Patel railed against negative media coverage. "I can say unequivocally that I never listen to the fake news mafia and when they get louder, it just means I'm doing my job," Patel said.

“Whether it’s rebuilding our entire backbone infrastructure, caring more for our workforce, actioning the business side of the house, eliminating bureaucracy, integrating AI, procuring equipment, developing new private sector partnerships - we have delivered the changes you have been requesting for years… and we did it in just over 1 year.”

“— Kash Patel, in a message to the FBI last week”

“Together, these reforms have truly transformed this FBI into the premier modern-day law enforcement organization we need to be.”

“— Kash Patel, in a message to the FBI last week During the hearing, Patel is also expected to highlight those successes at the FBI. He sent the message to bureau personnel last week. Kash Patel last testified on Capitol Hill in September 2025. That appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee on September 16, 2025, marked his first oversight hearing. During the session he faced questions about the assassination of conservative activist and influencer Charlie Kirk and his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Patel held a press conference at the US Department of Justice in Washington on April 21, 2026. He joined in on Team USA hockey's locker room celebrations in Italy in February 2026. @ABC reported the details of Patel's schedule and past testimony on May 12, 2026, at 5:04 AM.”