FBI Under Fire: Senate vs. Patel
May 13, 2026
CONFIRMATION VOTE
51–49
Closest FBI director confirmation in modern history
FBI BUDGET REQUEST
$10.7B
FY2026 request under review at hearing
CAREER OFFICIALS NAMED
~60
Individuals listed as 'enemies' in Government Gangsters
DAYS IN OFFICE
~110
As of May 2025 hearing date
nomination
transition
confirmation
milestone
restructuring
policy
oversight
FBI Director Confirmation Votes — Senate History
Key Context
Data Sources
Senate Appropriations Committee · DOJ Budget Justifications · Congressional Record · CRS Reports on FBI Oversight
Data sources
FBI FY2026 Budget Request· U.S. Department of JusticePatel Confirmation Vote Record· U.S. SenateSenate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science· U.S. Senate Appropriations CommitteeCRS: FBI Director: Independence and Accountability· Congressional Research ServiceHistorical FBI Appropriations Data· Office of Management and BudgetChurch Committee Final Report· U.S. Senate Select Committee to Study Governmental OperationsSpeech or Debate Clause — Congressional Immunity· Congressional Research Service