The leaders of the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security have chosen not to testify publicly at a scheduled Senate hearing on global national security threats, breaking from years of open testimony before the panel. This decision has raised concerns among lawmakers and the public.
Sen. Gary Peters, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee, expressed disappointment over the absence of public testimony, stating that it deprives the American people of critical information and the opportunity for public accountability regarding the government's efforts to ensure national security.
This marks the first time in over 15 years that an FBI director and Homeland Security secretary have declined to offer public testimony at the annual committee hearing focused on threats to the homeland, a departure from tradition that has been described as 'shocking.'
Additionally, a separate hearing scheduled before the House Homeland Security committee was also postponed, adding to the lack of transparency during this period of political transition.
The FBI emphasized its commitment to responding to Congressional oversight and being transparent with the American people, stating that FBI leaders have testified extensively in public settings about the current threat environment. The FBI believes that further substantive discussions and additional information can only be provided in a classified setting.
On the other hand, the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding their decision not to testify publicly.
These developments come at a time when the federal government is undergoing significant political changes, with President Trump considering candidates to replace FBI Director Christopher Wray and nominating South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to succeed Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
