Washington. America's FBI Chief Kash Patel has defended the recruitment policy changes. He gave clarification on this issue in the Senate hearing on Tuesday. Patel said that the FBI's standards have not been weakened. The purpose of the change is to give victims a chance.
Actually, FBI has recently changed the recruitment rules. Under this, some applicants can be considered for the job despite having previous cases of prostitution. People who were victims of bestiality in childhood can also be given a chance.
'Don't want to punish the victims'
During the hearing, questions were raised about the FBI's recruitment policy. Republican Senator John Kennedy questioned the rule related to bestiality. He asked why there was a need to change this rule? Kennedy said that the person recommending this rule should be asked from where he came up with such a suggestion.
Responding to this, Patel said that initially he too had the same reaction. But later the officials showed him some cases. Some of these people were forced to commit such incidents. After this, Patel felt that such people should get a chance to be considered for jobs.
According to media reports, some people who have been involved in prostitution in the last 10 years will not be able to get jobs in the FBI. It is noteworthy that the atmosphere remained very heated during the Senate hearing. Democrat MPs asked Patel many questions. He also raised the issue of the dismissal of FBI officials investigating cases related to Trump. Senator Cory Booker launched a scathing attack on Patel. He even described Patel as unfit for the FBI. Patel also replied back. There was a heated argument between the two.
Questions on FBI's role on election day
Midterm elections are to be held in America in November. In such a situation, questions were also raised on the role of FBI. Patel was also questioned about the elections. Democrat Senator Peter Welch asked whether he would interfere in any way with people's right to vote in the November elections. Responding to this, FBI Chief Kash Patel said that he will not be involved in any kind of interference. However, when asked whether FBI agents could be sent to polling stations on Election Day, he did not deny it outright.
Patel said that it is the responsibility of the Department of Homeland Security to monitor the elections. Officers will be present in 56 field offices of the FBI for election related crimes. The agency can take action if needed.
FBI Chief also surrounded on matters related to Trump
Democrat Senator Richard Blumenthal questioned the dismissal of the FBI officers. He raised the issue of removal of officials who were experts on Iran affairs. Blumenthal asked whether it was more important to remove Trump's political opponents. Or retaining experienced officials monitoring Iran-related threats?
Patel replied that the most important thing for him was to prevent the FBI from becoming a political weapon. He said that he does not want to keep such people in the agency who are misusing the FBI. However, he did not explain how involvement in the investigation of the case related to Trump makes the FBI a 'political weapon'.