WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Homeland Security, Sen. Markwayne Mullin, advanced out of a key Senate committee Thursday in a narrow and contentious vote, clearing the first major hurdle in his confirmation process.
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee voted 8-7 to send Mullin’s nomination to the full Senate, despite sharp opposition and an unusual break from committee leadership.
In a notable twist, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), the committee’s chairman, voted against advancing Mullin — a rare move for a president’s Cabinet nominee. His opposition was offset by Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), who crossed party lines to support the nomination and ultimately cast the decisive vote.
Mullin, a Republican senator from Oklahoma, was tapped by Trump earlier this month to replace outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. His nomination comes as the agency faces ongoing political battles over immigration enforcement and funding. (RELATED: TSA Official Warns Some Airports Could Completely Close As DHS Shutdown Drags On)
The committee hearing leading up to the vote featured tense exchanges and questions about Mullin’s temperament. Lawmakers revisited past incidents, including a 2023 confrontation in which Mullin challenged a labor leader to a fight, as well as controversial remarks related to political violence.
Democrats on the panel argued Mullin lacks the experience, transparency, and judgment needed to lead a major domestic security agency. Some Republicans also voiced concerns, with Paul citing issues related to Mullin’s past conduct and his responses during the hearing.
Despite the pushback, Mullin defended his record, portraying himself as a steady leader committed to securing the border and restoring stability at DHS. (RELATED: House GOP Leader Launches Senate Bid After Trump Taps New DHS Secretary)
Ultimately, Fetterman crossed party lines to support the nominee, per the New York Post:
Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), the top Democrat on the panel, was the only member to speak ahead of the vote, noting that he would reject Mullin’s nomination because he “has failed to be forthright and transparent” and lacks “the experience or the temperament” to lead the domestic law enforcement agency.
Peters also quoted from a Senate Ethics Committee finding on Mullin related to a 2023 incident in which the Oklahoma Republican offered to fight Teamsters President Sean O’Brien during a hearing.
“When offered multiple public opportunities to clarify the intent of your conduct, you declined to uphold the Senate standard,” Peters read from the finding, “and advocated physical violence as a means to resolve political disagreement.”
With the committee vote complete, Mullin’s nomination now moves to the full Senate, where Republicans are expected to have the votes needed for confirmation.
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Well, I oft favored Mr. Rand Paul, but I fear that he is oft his own worst enemy, never failing to sound off while under the influence of his bilious passions. Is it not so?
Rand Paul has become a true RINO. Reminds me of others like Murkowski, Collins, McConnell, Cheney, etc. He is a disgrace to the Republican Party.