Political Quotes

On the recordJanuary 22, 2025
yesterday, I met with Kash Patel, President Trump's nominee to serve as Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. We all know the FBI. It plays a critical role in keeping America safe from terrorism, violent crime, and other threats. The person who is in charge of our Nation's leading law enforcement organization, the FBI, should be someone who is nonpartisan, solid, reliable, with a demonstrated skill in law enforcement. We were reminded of this on 9/11, that the FBI is the leading Agency that we, in America, rely on to keep us safe. The 30,000 professionals at the FBI have the skills and resources to do the job. They deserve a leader who understands the gravity of their mission. After meeting with Kash Patel, I have grave concerns about his fitness for the role of FBI Director. Mr. Patel has neither the experience, the temperament, nor the judgment to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He is a staunch political loyalist who has repeatedly peddled false conspiracy theories and threatened to retaliate against those who have slighted him personally and politically. Start with January 6. I was here in the Senate that day. I will always be grateful to the U.S. Capitol Police and DC police officers who defended everyone who works in this building from an angry mob that was egged on by President Trump. You have seen the videos. You know what I am talking about.…
Said by
Dick Durbin
Democratic · Illinois

Share

More from Dick Durbin

Jul 18, 2026

This is true with respect to our health care system. Now, Illinois hospitals—especially safety-net and rural hospitals—are being forced to do more with less, shuttering entire services and gutting access to care for those who need it most.

duckworth.senate.gov
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 22, 2026

For too long, predatory for-profit colleges have taken in billions of dollars in federal student aid while leaving students with mountains of debt and low-value degrees.

warren.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

Other voices in this conversation