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Democrat Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii clashed with FBI Director Kash Patel during a heated Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Tuesday, questioning agency firings, counterterrorism priorities and even calling the bureau’s physical fitness requirements “harsh” for applicants.

In an exclusive statement to Fox News Digital, Patel said: “Americans expect their FBI agents to be capable, resilient, and ready to protect them.”

“That’s why, under my watch, every field office is receiving more trained agents, more boots on the ground, and a renewed commitment to getting out from behind the desks and back onto the streets where they’re needed most. We’re rebuilding a bureau that earns the public’s confidence by being present, prepared, and physically r

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