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In an atypical departure from tradition, the heads of the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) declined to testify publicly at a Senate hearing on Thursday about global national security threats. The decision, which broke a precedent of more than 15 years, prompted criticism from lawmakers on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, including its chairman, Democrat Senator Gary Peters from Michigan, according to the Associated Press.

“Their choice to not provide public testimony about their departments’ efforts to address wide-ranging national security threats robs the American people of critical information and the opportunity for public accountability,” said Peters. He described the decision as a “shocking departure” from long standing practice.

The annual hearing is generally a key forum for the public and lawmakers to understand the federal government’s efforts to address evolving threats to the United States. Typically, the FBI director and Homeland Security secretary testify publicly, outlining national security concerns and responding to lawmakers’ questions about their agencies’ actions.

This year’s hearing would have addressed concerns ranging from terrorism and cyberattacks to border security. The hearing was postponed after the FBI and DHS leadership declined to appear publicly, opting instead to offer classified briefings.

The FBI and DHS defended their decisions in statements which emphasize the classified nature of the majority of the information they claim they want to share.

The FBI stated it has “repeatedly demonstrated [its] commitment to responding to Congressional oversight” and believes classified settings allow for more substantive discussions about threats to the nation.

DHS said the extensive public information it has already shared, including the recently released ‘Homeland Threat Assessment’, and noted that Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has testified before Congress 30 times during his tenure.

The AP notes the hearings were scheduled amidst significant political changes in Washington, including President-elect Donald Trump’s plans to replace FBI Director Christopher Wray and his nomination of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to succeed DHS Secretary Mayorkas.

The refusal to testify publicly has heightened tensions between the administration and Congress, with lawmakers from both parties raising concerns about transparency and accountability.

Peters and other senators expressed frustration over the agencies’ decision, stressing the importance of public testimony. “This is not just a procedural issue; it’s about ensuring the public understands the threats we face and what is being done to address them,” Peters said.