U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, who serves as Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released a statement following the announcement that FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino will leave his position after serving less than a year.
Durbin stated, “Dan Bongino was a bad pick from the start. His service was remarkably ineffective, highlighted by his woeful mishandling of the Epstein files and his need for a polygraph exam waiver to be eligible for the job. The men and women who protect our nation at the FBI deserve better than a conspiracy theorist podcaster with an axe to grind."
He added, “I encourage Director Patel to return to longstanding tradition and appoint an experienced career FBI agent who is interested in the agency’s ever-important day-to-day work of keeping our nation safe.”
The Senate Judiciary Committee plays an important role in reviewing legislation related to criminal justice and civil liberties, evaluating judicial nominations, and overseeing federal agencies such as the FBI, according to its official website. As a standing committee within the legislative branch based in Washington, D.C., it affects constitutional protections and public safety nationwide through its legislative and oversight responsibilities.
The committee consists of senators from both major political parties and is led by a chair who manages meetings and hearings. Its influence extends across federal law, judicial matters, civil rights, and public safety since its creation.
