- FBI Director Kash Patel unequivocally denied allegations of excessive drinking and unexplained absences during his tenure, calling them "categorically false" before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee regarding his agency’s proposed budget.
- Patel filed a defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic for reporting on these allegations, which Senator Chris Van Hollen described as "extremely alarming."
- Van Hollen questioned Patel on whether FBI personnel were ever unable to reach him, to which Patel responded, "Absolutely not," stating his workforce hears from him constantly.
- Patel offered to take the AUDIT test, which screens for unhealthy alcohol use, after Senator Van Hollen suggested it, saying, "I’ll take any test you’re willing to take."
- The FBI chief also denied reports that his agency is investigating or targeting journalists.
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