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Chris Van Hollen Gets Kash Patel To Agree To Take Alcoholism Test
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Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) called FBI Director Kash Patel “a disgrace” during Tuesday’s Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing about Patel’s alleged drinking habits. Last month, the Atlantic published a bombshell story that detailed Patel’s excessive drinking. Following the report, Patel’s FBI launched an investigation into reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick responded by publishing another story last week detailing how Patel has reportedly been handing out personalized bottles of bourbon labeled “Ka$h Patel.” Patel has denied the reporting. During the hearing, Van Hollen asked if Patel was aware that it’s a crime to lie to Congress after Patel falsely claimed Van Hollen was “slinging margaritas in El Salvador on the taxpayer dollar with a convicted gang-banging rapist.” Patel was referring to Van Hollen’s trip to El Salvador last year to meet with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported to a notorious mega-prison in the country. The senator said drinks that appeared to be margaritas were placed on the table without his asking. “My final question to you, Mr. Director, is do you know that it is a crime to lie to Congress?” Van Hollen asked. “You know that? That’s my last question.” “I have not lied to Congress,” Patel said. “The only one who has lied to Congress is you.” “I’m not testifying here, sir, and I don’t lie,” Van Hollen responded. Patel then latched on to an alleged $7,000 bar tab Van Hollen spent. “The next time you run up a $7,000 bar tab, we can talk about it,” Patel said. “There you go, lying again,” Van Hollen responded. He added that the tab was for a 50-person staff party and was not funded by taxpayers. Patel, unable to squarely answer Van Hollen’s question, doubled down. Van Hollen said he’s glad Patel has agreed to undergo an alcoholism test. “I’m glad that you have agreed to take the test regarding whether you have alcohol problems,” Van Hollen said. “I’m glad you agreed with me to do that. You still haven’t answered my final question: Do you know, Mr. Director, that it is a crime to lie to Congress? Do you know that?” “I do not lie to Congress,” Patel responded. Van Hollen had had enough. “You are a disgrace, Mr. Director,” he told Patel. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.