Sen. Van Hollen Says FBI Can Only Function Properly If Kash Patel LeavesThe FBI cannot function effectively as long as Kash Patel is at the helm, Sen. Chris Van Hollen said on Sunday."The fact that there are so many reports that indicate that his drinking has meant that he's incapacitated at many times," the Maryland Democrat said on NBC's "Meet the Press." "I really don't care what he does on his free time so long as he's not putting the public at risk, so long as he's not compromising his important mission as director of the FBI."Van Hollen sparred with Patel last week over an exposé in The Atlantic detailing how agents and administration officials are concerned about the director's alleged excessive drinking, random absences and erratic behavior. Both agreed to take an alcohol use disorder test – Van Hollen passed, while Patel has yet to take it."My sense from Patel's conduct overall is he may or may not do it, but I unfortunately won't be able to believe the results," the senator said. "Because in that hearing, he did lie several times."Van Hollen stressed that the drinking reports are just one reason he believes Patel needs to go, saying the director has "weaponized the FBI" by going after journalists critical of him and agents investigating crimes that could potentially implicate the president.See All UpdatesClose