March 19, 2026
Mullin Survives Bruising Hearing with Dem Help, Inches One Step Closer to Becoming Next DHS Chief
Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., survived a heated Senate committee vote for DHS secretary despite earlier clash with Chair Rand Paul, R-Ky., over past comments and leadership concerns.
TL;DR
- Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., cast the deciding vote to advance Sen. Markwayne Mullin's confirmation to DHS secretary.
- Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, opposed Mullin, deeming him unfit and citing concerns over past comments and leadership style.
- Mullin committed to earning the job, admitting imperfections but promising to learn from mistakes.
- Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., have linked Mullin's confirmation to demands for reforms within ICE and CBP amidst a DHS shutdown.
- Mullin's nomination will now go to the Senate floor, requiring a simple majority for approval.
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