WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, led the subcommittee in a hearing to examine the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). FBI Director Kash Patel testified before the members of the subcommittee to answer questions about the agency’s proposed budget and his priorities for the bureau.

“Fewer FBI special agents, intelligence analysts, and professional staff could hinder the bureau in executing the President’s commitment to making our communities safe,” said Sen. Moran. “Our law enforcement, whether state, local or federal, keep our nation safe and carry out justice. I want to make certain these men and women are equipped to counter crime, but reducing the federal law enforcement in my home state of Kansas means less support for local police officers and local sheriffs.”

Sen. Moran questioned Director Patel on plans to relocate up to 40 FBI positions to locations across Kansas.

“We have four FBI resident agencies in Kansas – Garden City, Manhattan, Wichita and Topeka – those offices are worthy of that kind of support as well,” said Sen. Moran. “So while you are decentralizing Washington, I don’t want to shortchange those resident agencies.”

“You hit on one of the most important things I told my team when we are doing this,” said Director Patel. “We aren’t sending more agents to LA just because it’s LA. We have to cover down on geography, and every one of your offices and RAs [resident agencies] that you mentioned is getting a plus up because that is the only way to cover down on geography.”

Click HERE to watch Sen. Moran’s questions to Director Patel about his plans for the bureau under the proposed FY26 budget. Click HERE to watch Sen. Moran’s follow up questions to Director Patel concerning FBI field offices in Kansas.