FBI and DHS Leaders Skip Public Senate Hearing on National Security Threats
By ERIC TUCKER and REBECCA SANTANA, Associated Press
In a surprising departure from over 15 years of precedent, the leaders of the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) opted not to testify publicly at a scheduled Senate hearing on national security threats. This decision was met with criticism from Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Gary Peters, who expressed concern that the absence of public testimony deprives Americans of vital information regarding federal efforts to ensure their safety.
Peters labeled the situation as "shocking," emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in discussions centered around homeland security. Traditionally, these annual hearings provide a platform for government officials to address the current threat landscape to the nation. The Senate committee notified members only days before the hearing that FBI Director Christopher Wray and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas would not attend, prompting questions about the implications of their absence.
The hearings, originally planned to occur during a period of significant political transition, coincided with Trump’s considerations for new candidates to lead both the FBI and DHS. Reports indicated that Trump is evaluating potential successors for Wray and has named South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as a prospective replacement for Mayorkas.
In a statement, the FBI defended its commitment to congressional oversight, asserting that it has frequently engaged in public testimony about national security threats. The FBI suggested that more substantive discussions regarding evolving threats could be better facilitated in a classified environment. As of now, the DHS has not commented on the issue.
The postponement of these critical discussions raises concerns about transparency in the face of growing security challenges facing the nation.
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