Columbia Standard

U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin delivered an opening statement during a Senate Judiciary Committee executive meeting concerning the nomination of Kash Patel to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Durbin, who serves as the Ranking Member of the committee, expressed concerns about Patel's nomination.

Durbin described Patel's nomination as "extraordinary" and noted its unusual nature due to its ten-year term. He emphasized that this lengthy term warrants extra consideration and review. Durbin raised questions about Patel's involvement with a musical recording called the J6 choir, stating that Patel denied knowledge of its creation despite being involved in playing it at rallies for President Trump.

"He was on Steve Bannon’s show," said Durbin, pointing out a contradiction in Patel's testimony regarding his involvement with the January 6 prison choir. According to Durbin, Patel claimed under oath not to have been involved but had previously discussed taking recordings of January 6 rioters to a studio for mastering and digitizing.

Durbin also addressed concerns over potential pardons for those involved in the January 6 Capitol riot. He mentioned that some colleagues dismissed such pardons as "absurd" and "hypothetical," yet former President Trump issued blanket pardons to those arrested.

The Senator further criticized Patel's temperament for leading the FBI, citing his tendency to settle political scores. "For God’s sake, to give the most sweeping investigative agency in the United States over to this man," he stated.

Earlier in the week, Durbin led Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats in urging Chairman Chuck Grassley to schedule an additional hearing for Patel. The letter requests further examination of recent removals and reassignments within the FBI, as well as discrepancies in Patel's previous testimonies.