FBI Director Kash Patel is set to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday during an annual oversight hearing. The FBI has pointed to recent crime data showing a significant drop in violent crime across the United States. According to the bureau's 2025 annual crime report, the murder rate has reached a 20-year low, and violent crime overall experienced the largest one-year decline in recorded history. However, Patel has faced criticism for a series of staff departures and resignations, as well as questions about his use of FBI resources, including the agency’s jet. Earlier this year, Patel denied allegations of excessive drinking after a disagreement with Democratic senators. Senator Dick Durbin, the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, has criticized Patel’s leadership, arguing that the FBI has been focusing too much on political matters and not enough on protecting everyday Americans. In a statement, Durbin said, "Today, we find ourselves in a position where the FBI is expending immense resources to protect President Trump and deliver retribution to his enemies — but is diverting resources away from protecting the safety, security, and rights of ordinary Americans and their families." Democrats are expected to question Patel about several controversies, including staff departures, the Justice Department’s investigations into President Trump’s political opponents, and changes to FBI hiring standards. The FBI reported that violent crime in the U.S. dropped at the fastest rate on record in 2025, with the murder rate falling 18.1% to a decades-long low. The Trump administration has cited these numbers as evidence of the effectiveness of its hardline approach to crime. President Trump recently called the results "the best numbers anybody's ever seen on crime." However, experts note that the decline in crime has occurred over several years, following a spike during the pandemic, and the reasons for the current drop remain unclear, as it has been observed in cities with varying political leadership and law enforcement strategies. During his time as FBI director, Patel has focused on addressing violent crime and supporting the Trump administration's policies on illegal immigration. The FBI traditionally handles a wide range of responsibilities, including violent crime, national security, and white-collar investigations. Patel has also been involved in changes to the FBI's hiring standards, which have drawn criticism. The agency has relaxed some background check requirements for potential agents, including allowing those with past admissions to hiring sex workers, stealing from employers, or committing animal cruelty before age 18. These changes have raised concerns among Democrats, who argue that they risk compromising the integrity of the FBI’s workforce.