Jamie Raskin (Rep-D Maryland) and Jim Himes (Rep-D Connecticut), the top Democrats on the House Judiciary and Intelligence committees, asked him on Friday, Oct. 9, to cancel.
Patel plans to visit Russia, reportedly starting next week, according to The Atlantic. Reports have said he would likely be hosted by the FSB (Russia's Federal Security Service, the KGB's main successor). The midterms are Tuesday, Nov. 3. Seventeen current and former officials and others told the magazine they were worried. The FBI has not confirmed the plans, and neither the FBI nor the White House commented. Patel is suing The Atlantic over its earlier reporting on him.
“In the interest of national security, we ask you to reconsider. Call off this trip.”Raskin and Himes letter
What next. The two Democrats asked for a closed-door briefing by Monday, Oct. 12, on his itinerary, meetings, traveling companions and precautions against Russian spying if he goes. No one has said whether that briefing will happen.