A US Senate committee on Thursday (March 18) voted to nominate Markwayne Mullin as Homeland Security Secretary, sending his nomination to the full Senate for confirmation.
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee approved the nomination 8-7, largely along party lines.
However, there were two notable exceptions:
-Republican Speaker Rand Paul voted against Mullin
-Democrat John Fetterman voted yes
-Mullin will now require a simple majority in the Republican-controlled Senate to be confirmed.
Trump’s choice after the departure of Kristi Noem
President Donald Trump nominated Mullin after firing former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem earlier this month.
Noem has faced criticism from Republican lawmakers for her handling of the administration’s aggressive crackdown on immigration.
Criticism of past statements
Mullin’s nomination came under scrutiny during his confirmation hearing, particularly from Rand Paul, who cited the senator’s past remarks perceived as condoning political violence.
Paul mentioned a 2017 incident involving an assault against him, as well as Mullin’s 2023 challenge to Teamsters President Sean O’Brien during a Senate hearing.
Senator Gary Peters, the committee’s top Democrat, also opposed the nomination, arguing that the department required a “steady and proven” leader.
Fetterman’s support proves crucial
Fetterman’s support played a key role in advancing to the nomination. The Pennsylvania Democrat praised Mullin’s stance on border security and immigration enforcement, which helped secure enough votes for passage.
Differences in politics with Noah
During the hearing, Mullin indicated that he would depart from some of the policies implemented under Noah:
Warrant Requirement: He said immigration officials will need a court warrant to enter homes or businesses, except in situations of active pursuit
Contract oversight: Mullin vows to scrap policy requiring secretary-level approval for DHS contracts over $100,000, calls it ‘micromanagement’
Immigration crackdown in focus
The nomination comes amid scrutiny of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, including large-scale federal operations in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago and Minneapolis.
These operations have raised legal issues and public criticism, especially after fatal incidents involving US citizens.
If confirmed, Mullin would become only the second member of the Native American cabinet as a member of the Cherokee Nation. His nomination could reach the Senate as early as next week.
