FBI Director Kash Patel on Duty to Uphold the Constitution and Budget Concerns

Duty to the Constitution

• 🎯 Director Patel affirmed that it is his duty, and the duty of everyone at the FBI, to uphold the Constitution of the United States.
• 🇺🇸 This affirmation came in response to a question from Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY) during a House Appropriations Committee hearing.

FBI Budget and Staffing

• 📉 The FBI faces a proposed budget cut of $545 million, bringing the total to approximately $10.2 billion, while the FBI has requested $11.2 billion.
• ⚠️ Budget cuts and continuing resolutions over the last three years have led to approximately 1,000 vacant positions annually, impacting the FBI's operational capacity.
• 💡 An increase in funding is needed to fill these vacant slots and prevent further attrition of agents.

Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force

• 🚨 Rep. Morelle expressed deep concern over reports of the Attorney General's plan to dissolve the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCEDTF) by September 30th.
• 📈 The task force has had recent successes, including the seizure of over 200 grams of fentanyl in Rochester, New York.
• ❓ Director Patel clarified that his understanding is that only a singular office within OCEDTF is being considered for cuts, not the entire program, and he has not been formally informed of broader plans.
• 💰 The OCEDTF program is noted for its strong return on investment, bringing in $2 billion in proceeds against a $500 million operational cost.