LIVE: FBI Director Kash Patel testifies at subcommittee hearing

US Marshals request $5.2 billion for FY2027

The budget includes $2.2 billion for salaries, $3 billion for federal prisoner detention, and $15 million for construction, aiming to add 918 positions including 645 deputy marshals.

ATF seeks $1.65 billion to sustain violent crime mission

The request includes $7.8 million for ballistics imaging equipment modernization and $25.8 million to add 86 positions targeting firearms trafficking along the southwest border.

ATF dramatically reduced e-form processing times

Processing times for E-Form 4 applications dropped from 230 days in 2023 to just 12 days currently, with nearly 924,000 applications finalized between January and April 2026.

Rising threats against judges require $34.6 million increase

The US Marshals reported a multi-year increase in threats against the judiciary fueled by social media, requiring expanded protective operations and dedicated security teams.

Courthouse infrastructure backlog exceeds $484 million

Critical security deficiencies include $30 million needed for prisoner elevators to eliminate unsafe transport through public areas, creating risks for judicial officials and the public.

Marshals managed massive operational volume in FY2025

The agency arrested over 73,000 fugitives, conducted 308,000 prisoner movements, and housed 55,000 prisoners with a workforce of only 3,800 deputy marshals.

DEA targets Chinese and Indian precursor chemical flows

The agency held two bilateral meetings with Chinese officials in 2026 and works with Ambassador David Purdue to disrupt supply chains funneling chemicals to Mexican fentanyl labs.

Mexican cooperation increased but barriers remain

While Mexican authorities have stepped up bilateral efforts, Chinese officials still maintain barriers to fully stemming the flow of precursor chemicals fueling the fentanyl crisis.

Patel unequivocally denies drinking and absence allegations

Under questioning from Senator Van Holland, Patel declared allegations of excessive drinking and unexplained absences 'categorically false,' stating he is reachable 'every single hour of the day.'

Heated exchange over conduct standards

Patel accused Van Holland of hypocrisy regarding a '$7,000 bar tab' and 'drinking margaritas in El Salvador,' rejecting what he called 'baseless allegations' and 'fraudulent statements from the media.'

Agency heads affirm drinking-related disciplinary standards

Directors from the ATF, Marshals Service, and DEA all confirmed they would take corrective action against employees unable to perform duties due to excessive drinking after thorough internal investigation.