Senate panel advances Markwayne Mullin bid to lead DHS

Hunter Savery, CQ-Roll Call on Mar 19, 2026

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WASHINGTON — A Senate committee advanced the nomination of Sen. Markwayne Mullin to be Homeland Security secretary Thursday, setting up a potential confirmation vote on the floor as early as next week.

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee voted 8-7 to report the nomination to the floor, the day after a contentious confirmation hearing that included criticism from the panel’s chairman, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.

Paul bucked the party line to vote against Mullin’s nomination, but Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., crossed party lines to support Mullin to lead the Department of Homeland Security.

Fetterman declined to take questions from reporters following the vote, but released a statement on social media that referenced his call in January to fire outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

“I truly approached the confirmation of my colleague and friend, Senator Mullin, with an open mind,” Fetterman said. “We need a leader at DHS. We must reopen DHS. My AYE is rooted in a strong committed, constructive working relationship with Senator Mullin for our nation’s security.”

Mullin’s nomination is likely to win confirmation from the full Senate, where Republicans hold a 53-47 majority.

President Donald Trump chose Mullin to succeed Noem, who faced criticism from lawmakers related to DHS contracts, disbursement of disaster relief funds and immigration enforcement activities.

At the committee vote Thursday, ranking member Gary Peters, D-Mich., accused Mullin of supporting political violence.

“He doesn’t have the experience or the temperament to lead this critical department,” Peters said. “I’m very troubled by Sen. Mullin’s willingness to condone political violence and the message that that sends across DHS, and we’re not talking about an isolated lapse in judgment.”

At Wednesday’s hearing, Mullin faced sharp criticism from both Paul and Democrats. Paul took aim at Mullin for his past comments regarding a 2017 incident in which Paul was attacked by his neighbor, which left Paul with multiple broken ribs.

“You told the media that I was a ‘freaking snake’ and that you completely understood why I had been assaulted,” Paul said to Mullin during his opening remarks. “I was shocked you would justify and celebrate this violent assault that caused me so much pain and my family so much pain.”

Paul also cited a 2023 incident in which Mullin challenged International Brotherhood of Teamsters President Sean O’Brien to a fight during a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions hearing.

Mullin has represented Oklahoma in the Senate since 2023. He represented Oklahoma in the House for 10 years before that.

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