FBI Director Kash Patel clashed sharply with Sen. Chris Van Hollen during a Senate budget hearing after the Maryland Democrat raised allegations about Patel’s conduct, including claims of excessive drinking and poor availability to staff, which Patel strongly denied.

Patel called the accusations “unequivocally, categorically false” and accused Van Hollen of making “baseless” claims, while the senator cited a recent media report questioning Patel’s leadership.

The exchange escalated into personal accusations, including Patel alleging Van Hollen engaged in improper behavior during a past trip to El Salvador, which the senator rejected as false.

Van Hollen challenged Patel to take a test related to alcohol use, which Patel said he would accept while also defending his record, the AP has reported.

The hearing also featured partisan divisions, with Republicans praising Patel’s leadership and Democrats questioning his travel, spending, and management of the FBI.