Pam Bondi Admits Surprise Over FBI Email Directive During Congressional Hearing

Funding for Public Safety and Cyber Security

• 🎯 Congressman Frank Mrvan inquired about ensuring continued federal grant dollars for public safety agencies in his Northwest Indiana district, specifically mentioning license plate readers and COPS grants.
• 💡 Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that funding for the HIDA program in Mrvan's district would remain untouched.
• ⚡ The discussion shifted to cybersecurity, with Mrvan asking if the budget reflected increased protections against threats like cyberattacks from Iran and China.
• 📊 Bondi stated there is $50 million allocated for cybersecurity, with additional resources in a larger bill, and agreed to provide specific numbers on increased cybersecurity funding.

FBI Email Directive and Data Management

• 🔍 Mrvan questioned Attorney General Bondi about a directive sent to FBI agents requesting a weekly summary of their activities, which Director Patel had initially denied and then stated he told agents not to fulfill.
• ⚠️ Bondi stated that upon learning about the email, she asked for it to be withdrawn, indicating it came from her office but she was unaware it had been sent to the FBI.
• ❓ The purpose of the email, according to Bondi, was to ensure agents were actively working and responding.
• 🔒 When asked where the data from agents who did respond went and how it was secured, Bondi committed to finding out and providing that information.
• 🤝 Bondi emphasized her commitment to protecting cybersecurity for all, acknowledging threats from Iran, China, and other foreign adversaries.