Mullin's DHS nomination advances to full Senate despite opposition from
Republican Rand Paul
[March 20, 2026]
By MEG KINNARD
WASHINGTON
(AP) — Sen. Markwayne Mullin moved a step closer to becoming President
Donald Trump's next homeland security secretary after a Senate committee
Thursday narrowly advanced his nomination.
The 8-7 vote came after a contentious hearing Wednesday and sent the
Cabinet nomination to the full Senate, which could act to confirm the
Oklahoma Republican next week.
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This photo combination shows, from left, Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., in
Washington, March 18, 2026, Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla.,. March 18,
2026 on Capitol Hill in Washington and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., on Capitol
Hill in Washington, Feb. 12, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce
Ceneta, Tom Brenner, file) |
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That vote included a “no” from the Republican chairman, Sen.
Rand Paul of Kentucky, and a “yes” from a Democrat, Sen. John
Fetterman of Pennsylvania. The approval comes as the parties are
fighting bitterly over the policies of the Department of
Homeland Security, leading to a funding lapse that is now in its
34th day.
During his testimony before the Senate Homeland Security and
Government Affairs Committee, Mullin tried to make the case that
he would be a steady hand after the tumultuous tenure of Kristi
Noem, Trump's first DHS secretary. Mullin also signaled support
for Trump’s immigration priorities, which are central to the
funding standoff after the death of at least three American
citizens at the hands of federal agents.
Mullin's hearing was unusually combative and came close to going
off the rails as he engaged in heated exchanges with some
Democrats as well as Paul.
In addition to a lengthy exchange over Mullin's failure to
disclose what he characterized as a “classified” congressional
trip while a House member, Paul opened the hearing with a fiery
statement challenging Mullin's fitness to lead DHS.
Paul pointed to comments Mullin made after a funding fight, when
he called Paul a “freaking snake” and said he understood why a
neighbor had tackled Paul in a lawn care dispute. That incident
happened several years ago, and Paul suffered multiple broken
ribs and later had surgeries he linked to the attack.
“I just wonder if someone who applauds violence against their
political opponents is the right person to lead an agency that
has struggled to accept limits to the proper use of force?” Paul
said.
Mullin refused to back down.
“For you to say I’m a liar, sir, that’s not accurate,” Mullin
said.
Paul later said he would not vote for Mullin’s confirmation.
Fetterman, who has frequently challenged his own party, said his
vote was "rooted in a strong committed, constructive working
relationship with Senator Mullin for our nation’s security.”
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