Senate Confirms Markwayne Mullin as DHS Secretary Amid Ongoing Agency Shutdown

The Senate confirmed Markwayne Mullin to head the Department of Homeland Security on Monday. The vote occurred while the department remained shut down.

Senate vote and split

The confirmation passed 54-45. Most Republicans supported the nomination.

• Sen. Rand Paul was the sole Republican to vote against the confirmation.
• Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., and Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., crossed party lines to vote yes.

Confirmation hearing clash

Tensions flared during Mullin’s Senate hearing. He exchanged sharp remarks with Sen. Paul.

Sen. Paul pressed Mullin over prior comments about him. Paul questioned Mullin’s temperament and fitness to lead ICE and Border Patrol.

Despite the confrontation, Fetterman defended his yes vote. He called Mullin an improvement over the prior secretary and cited their constructive working relationship.

Agency shutdown and operational effects

The department’s funding lapse has disrupted airport operations. Travelers faced long security wait times nationwide.

The administration cleared ICE agents to assist TSA workers at airports on Monday. Democrats pushed for policy changes amid concerns about enforcement practices.

Mullin’s background and stated priorities

Mullin served in Congress for more than a dozen years. He is a former mixed martial arts fighter and owns a family plumbing business in Oklahoma.

He is a vocal supporter of the administration’s immigration agenda and of ICE officers. He is also viewed as a bipartisan negotiator on Capitol Hill.

Mullin told senators his six-month goal is to reduce daily headlines about the agency. He said the department will protect and work with communities.

President Trump praised Mullin and said Mullin has offered a list of personnel changes he wants to make.

Ongoing concerns and next steps

Lawmakers cited recent deaths during Minneapolis protests when urging enforcement reforms. Democrats demanded changes to deportation and enforcement operations.

Senate confirmation of Markwayne Mullin to lead DHS comes amid an ongoing agency shutdown and heightened scrutiny.

Filmogaz.com note: The Associated Press contributed to this report.