Political Quotes

On the recordFebruary 20, 2025
in about 2 hours, the Senate will vote on whether to confirm Kash Patel to serve as Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the next 10 years--10 years. If Senate Republicans confirm Mr. Patel, I believe they will come to regret this vote--probably sooner rather than later. I, for one, am convinced that Mr. Patel has neither the experience, the judgment, nor the temperament to lead this amazing criminal investigative Agency. It appears my Senate Republican colleagues are ignoring the many redflags in Mr. Patel's record, probably because they fear retribution from the President and Mr. Musk. Let me be clear: This is not a partisan issue. During my time in the Senate, I have voted for four FBI Director nominations before this one. Each one was clearly a Republican, and I voted for them nevertheless. Historically, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has been apolitical. I oppose Mr. Patel because he is dangerously politically extreme. He has repeatedly expressed his intention to use our Nation's most important law enforcement Agency to retaliate against his political enemies. Even before President Trump took office, Mr. Patel announced that he would force out FBI Director Chris Wray, whom he nominated in his first term before firing former FBI Director Jim Comey. The Director is the only political appointment at the FBI.…
Said by
Dick Durbin
Democratic · Illinois

Share

More from Dick Durbin

Jul 22, 2026

Our democracy is not guaranteed. It is paramount that Republicans and Democrats join together in support of free and fair elections and condemn any attempts by this President to undermine our democracy before it’s too late.

durbin.senate.gov
Jul 17, 2026

I’m honored to receive the 2026 Champion of Main Street Award and will continue to fight on behalf of merchants and consumers.

durbin.senate.gov
Jul 17, 2026

Mr. Blanche, these survivors deserve much better. I want to recognize many of the survivors who are in the audience today. I thank them for their courage in speaking out. Tomorrow, we will hear from one of them during the outside witness…

durbin.senate.gov
Jul 22, 2026

I urge Congress to pass my America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act to protect and defend these lands for future generations.

durbin.senate.gov

Other voices in this conversation