Two senior Democratic lawmakers have urged FBI Director Kash Patel to cancel a reported visit to Russia, warning that the trip could create national security risks and expose sensitive American intelligence to espionage.
In a letter made public on Friday, Representative Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, and Representative Jamie Raskin, the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, questioned the proposed visit amid continuing tensions between Washington and Moscow over Russia’s war against Ukraine.
“In the interest of national security, we ask you to reconsider. Call off this trip,” the lawmakers wrote.
According to the letter, Patel is reportedly planning a two-day visit to Moscow and St. Petersburg, where he is expected to be hosted by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), the successor to the Soviet-era KGB.
Himes and Raskin cited the FSB’s record of surveillance, cyber espionage and intelligence operations targeting American officials, diplomats and other US personnel. They also raised concerns about reports that Patel has sought closer cooperation between the FBI and Russian and Chinese law enforcement agencies, including personnel exchanges and intelligence sharing.
The lawmakers questioned whether expanded cooperation with Moscow and Beijing was consistent with the administration’s broader national security priorities. Their letter also referred to media reports alleging that Chinese officials had received unusual access to US intelligence personnel, diplomats, government facilities and contractors. Those allegations were not independently established in the congressional letter.
The lawmakers further cited concerns over Russian cyber operations, election interference and alleged intelligence assistance to Iran in attacks involving US forces in the Middle East. They also referred to a reported plot linked to Russian intelligence to assassinate a prominent dissident in Washington.
The letter did not establish that Patel had disclosed classified information or that any security breach had occurred.
If Patel proceeds with the visit, Himes and Raskin have requested a closed-door congressional briefing by 5 p.m. on October 12. They want details of FBI cooperation with Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, including any internal objections raised by intelligence or law enforcement officials.
They have also sought information about who proposed the Russia trip, its purpose, planned meetings, itinerary, accompanying personnel and safeguards against espionage, including secure communications.
The letter was dated October 5 and released publicly on October 9.
Patel, who is of Indian origin, leads the FBI, which is responsible for federal criminal investigations, domestic counterintelligence and counterterrorism, while maintaining international law enforcement partnerships to address cross-border threats.
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