APTOPIX Congress Homeland Security Mullin

Markwayne Mullin is telling senators he wants to steady the Department of Homeland Security, fund it and keep it out of constant controversy. The Republican Oklahoma senator appeared Wednesday for his confirmation hearing as President Donald Trump’s pick to lead DHS after Kristi Noem was fired. Mullin says Congress must drop partisanship and end a shutdown that's left many DHS workers without pay. The hearing turned tense when committee chair Rand Paul attacked Mullin over past remarks and questioned his temperament. Democrats are expected to press Mullin on mass deportations and officer conduct after clashes and deaths tied to enforcement sweeps. Senators are also expected to bring up Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster reimbursements.