Congress Homeland Security Mullin
FILE - 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.
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Markwayne Mullin has moved a step closer to becoming President Donald Trump’s next homeland security secretary. A Senate committee on Thursday narrowly advanced the nomination of the Republican senator from Oklahoma. The 8-7 vote came after a contentious hearing Wednesday and sent the Cabinet nomination to the full Senate, which could act to confirm Mullin next week. That vote included a “no” from the Republican chairman, Rand Paul of Kentucky, and a “yes” from a Democrat, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania. The approval comes at a time when 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.
The Senate has voted to confirm Markwayne Mullin as the new secretary of Homeland Security. The vote late Monday fell largely on party lines. President Donald Trump tapped the Republican senator from Oklahoma to take over the department after firing Secretary Kristi Noem. Mullin takes over the department during a difficult time. It's in the midst of a budget battle that's leading to long lines at U.S. airports. Democrats are demanding changes in the department's immigration operations after the deaths of two Americans during protests. Mullin has backed Trump’s immigration agenda, but has tried to present a softer approach.
