FBI and DHS Face Bipartisan Backlash for Skipping Public Senate Hearing

For the first time in over 15 years, agency leaders refused to testify publicly on national security threats, citing the need for a classified setting.

FBI Director Christopher Wray and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas declined to testify publicly at an annual Senate hearing on national security threats, breaking a 15-year tradition.
The Senate Homeland Security Committee, led by Democrat Gary Peters, criticized the move as a failure of transparency and accountability to the American public.
Both agencies defended their decision, arguing that a classified briefing would provide more substantive discussions on evolving threats, though lawmakers rejected this justification.
Republican senators, including Rand Paul and Josh Hawley, joined Democrats in condemning the refusal, with some calling for resignations or subpoenas to compel testimony.
The hearing, which traditionally covers pressing topics such as terrorism, cybersecurity, and border security, has been postponed until December.