Senate Judiciary Committee

Flock Safety faces layoffs and Senate scrutiny after ALPR privacy backlash

Musician and investigative researcher Benn Jordan testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism at a hearing on Flock Safety and other automatic license plate reader systems. The company, which makes ALPR cameras and software, is now under investigation by Sen. Josh Hawley, has seen hundreds of local governments cancel contracts, and reportedly plans to cut about 18 percent of its workforce, according to Reuters. Jordan says he communicates directly with Flock's CEO Garrett Langley and reports security vulnerabilities to the company despite his criticism of its practices.

theverge.com · 2026-10-15

FBI Director Patel Defends Rollback of Bestiality Disqualification in Hiring Policy

During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, FBI Director Kash Patel defended a policy change made earlier this year that no longer automatically disqualifies applicants with a history of bestiality or animal cruelty if the conduct occurred before age 18. Patel argued the change protects people who were 'victims' of forced bestiality, while lawmakers including Senators Durbin and Kennedy pressed him on the confusing and controversial framing of the rule.

wired.com · 2026-09-15