Britt Champions Redstone Arsenal During Budget Hearing with FBI Director Patel

U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) emphasized her support for the FBI’s presence in Alabama during a recent hearing on the Trump administration’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request. The session of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science featured testimony from FBI Director Kash Patel, who assumed the role in February.

In her opening remarks, Sen. Britt expressed appreciation for Director Patel’s recent visit to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. “The work that the men and women of the FBI are doing to combat violent crime, terrorism, and other threats has never been more important,” Britt said. “I am proud to work with you and proud to see the work you’re already doing to reduce the FBI footprint in D.C. and streamline the FBI’s operation and reallocate personnel to FBI Redstone.”

Patel’s visit last month included tours of several high-level FBI facilities located at Redstone, including the Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center (TEDAC), the Ballistic Research Facility (BRF), and The Improvised Explosive Detection and Synthesis Center (TIEDS). He also observed a demonstration of the FBI’s Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) capabilities. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) co-hosted the tour with Sen. Britt.

Following the visit, Britt praised Patel’s engagement, stating, “His visit reaffirms his support for Redstone Arsenal’s invaluable role in American national security. I’m grateful he was able to meet some of the Alabamians who put in the work, day-in and day-out, to protect our homeland.”

During the hearing, Britt underscored the strategic importance of Redstone Arsenal, calling it “the epicenter of the FBI’s technological capabilities and advanced training.” She applauded Director Patel for prioritizing the staffing of Redstone and asked for his commitment to continued investment in the site. “Fully leveraging Redstone Arsenal’s cutting-edge capability sends a message to our enemies that the FBI and its leadership is back to prioritizing the pressing threats to our homeland,” she said.

Patel affirmed the agency’s commitment to the Alabama-based campus. “Redstone is one of the jewels that the FBI has,” he said. “The facilities you cited don’t exist for the interagency anywhere else. We need to continue the plans that you and your predecessors have laid out through the appropriations process, to complete the buildings on the South campus and to allow for more individuals to be there on a temporary and permanent basis.”

Britt also pressed Patel on what the Bureau needs from Congress to meet its long-term goals. “Will you commit to working with me on all of the construction projects that are planned at FBI Redstone and that they’re sustained and completed?” she asked. “Is there anything additional you need from Congress to ensure that the FBI’s operational goals are met long term?”

“You absolutely have my commitment and the commitment of the Bureau,” Patel replied. He highlighted growing interest from interagency partners, including the CIA, DHS, and CBP, to use Redstone’s specialized facilities, such as the Bomb Technical Center. “We don’t need to reinvent the wheel that’s already there. We just need to finish it. And you have my commitment to finish it,” he added.

In closing, Britt asked Patel to reflect on his first months as Director. Patel expressed admiration for the dedication of FBI personnel, particularly those working in field offices and at Redstone. “They want to do the mission. They want to keep our kids safe. They want to protect the homeland. They want to put violent criminals in jail,” he said. “My commitment to them and to you is to make sure they get the resources they need and the training… While we have Quantico for our new agents and new Intel analysts, where we send them to get advanced training only occurs at Redstone.”

A video of Sen. Britt’s questioning of Director Patel is HERE.