FBI director nominee Kash Patel clashed with Sen. Chris Van Hollen during a Senate hearing Tuesday over allegations of excessive drinking that were previously reported by The Atlantic.

The heated exchange occurred during a Senate hearing on fiscal year 2027 budgets for federal law enforcement agencies, as Van Hollen questioned Patel about the drinking allegations.

Separately, the FBI is conducting interviews with current and former CIA officers as part of an ongoing investigation into former CIA Director John Brennan, according to multiple reports.

Sen. Rand Paul has indicated that a CIA whistleblower plans to make allegations at an upcoming hearing regarding what Paul characterized as efforts to conceal information about COVID-19's origins. Paul stated that "the deep state is still hiding the origins of this virus."

The various investigations and hearings reflect ongoing scrutiny of intelligence agencies and their leadership, both current and former, as Congress exercises its oversight responsibilities.