From CBS News · Sarah N. Lynch · · 1m 50s
Patel defends FBI's new hiring rules
Senators from both parties grilled the FBI director over why bestiality and prostitution no longer block a job at the bureau.
In brief
Senators from both parties grilled the FBI director over why bestiality and prostitution no longer block a job at the bureau. Patel says the loosened rules protect trafficking victims, but the written policy also covers people who acted willingly, and he never explained the theft change at all. Originally reported by…
Patel defends lowered standards
FBI Director Kash Patel told the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday that acts of bestiality are no longer an automatic bar to working at the bureau. Lawmakers wanted to know why.
His answer: protect victims
Patel said the changes exist so people trafficked or assaulted in these acts are not shut out of a job. Applicants still face the full vetting process, he said.
“We did not want to punish victims of bestiality, victims who were trafficked.”
What the rules actually say
Prostitution is fine if it happened fewer than three times and over 10 years ago. Employment theft needs three years' distance. Bestiality is allowed if it happened before age 18.
No line between forced and willing
Sources told CBS News the new eligibility rules do not separate candidates coerced into sex acts with animals from those who took part by choice. The victim framing has no textual hook.
Kennedy goes at it sideways
Republican Sen. John Kennedy pressed Patel on who the old rule disqualified, then asked whether that included the animal. Patel answered that the bureau has great canines.
“I'm trying to understand why you did this. Why would you even get into bestiality?”
The prostitution answer frays
Patel told Kennedy the change covers people forced into sex work. But the policy also covers soliciting, and an FBI spokesperson said it can apply to someone who paid for sex where it is legal.
“It's not if you frequented a prostitute. It's if you were a prostitute?”
Agents suspect a recruiting problem
Current and former agents told CBS News the changes point to trouble finding talent, and noted applicants can already disclose abuse history before a polygraph. Patel never addressed the theft rule.
What to remember
Patel says the loosened rules protect trafficking victims, but the written policy also covers people who acted willingly, and he never explained the theft change at all.
