Trending Now - Senate Advances Controversial DHS Nomination of Mullin

WHO:

Sen. John Fetterman, Democrat from Pennsylvania, stated, "We need a leader at DHS. We must reopen DHS."

Sen. Gary Peters, Democrat from Michigan, criticized Mullin, stating, "The Department of Homeland Security needs a leader who can restore the trust that DHS has broken with the American people and with this committee."

Sen. John Fetterman, Democrat from Pennsylvania, stated, "In January, I called on the president to fire Noem—and he did. I truly approached the confirmation of my colleague and friend, Senator Mullin, with an open mind."

Sen. Rand Paul, Republican from Kentucky, expressed concerns about Mullin's temperament, stating, "I just wonder if someone who applauds violence against their political opponents is the right person to lead an agency that has struggled to accept limits to the proper use of force."

Sen. Gary Peters, Democrat from Michigan, criticized Mullin for failing to be "forthright and transparent" during the confirmation process.

Sen. John Fetterman stated, "My AYE is rooted in a strong committed, constructive working relationship with Senator Mullin for our nation’s security."

Sen. Gary Peters, Democrat from Michigan, criticized Mullin for failing to be "forthright and transparent" during the confirmation process.

Sen. John Fetterman stated he approached Mullin's confirmation with "an open mind" and emphasized the need for a leader at DHS.

Sen. Gary Peters, the top Democrat on the committee, expressed that Mullin lacks the "experience or the temperament" to lead DHS.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, Republican from Oklahoma

President Trump, who nominated Mullin

Sen. John Fetterman, Democrat from Pennsylvania

Sen. Rand Paul, Republican from Kentucky, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee

Sen. Gary Peters, Democrat from Michigan, top-ranking Democrat on the committee

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Republican from South Dakota

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Democrat from New York

Kristi Noem, former Secretary of Homeland Security

WHAT:

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced Mullin's nomination by a vote of 8-7 on March 19th, 2026.

The committee's decision was influenced by Fetterman's support, as he was the only Democrat to vote in favor of Mullin.

Mullin stated, "I’m going to earn the job, I won’t fail you," during the hearing.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Democrat from New York, stated, "I will not be supporting Sen. Mullin’s nomination should it come before the Senate."

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced Mullin's nomination by a vote of 8-7 on March 19th, 2026.

The committee's decision was influenced by Fetterman's support, as he was the only Democrat to vote in favor of Mullin.

Mullin stated, "I want to protect the homeland, I want to bring peace of mind, I want to bring confidence back to the agency."

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Republican from South Dakota, expressed confidence in Mullin's nomination, stating, "I think that Markwayne is the right person."

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced Mullin's nomination by a vote of 8-7 on March 19th, 2026.

The committee's decision was influenced by Fetterman's support, as he was the only Democrat to vote in favor of Mullin.

The committee vote to advance Mullin's nomination was 8-7, with Sen. Rand Paul being the sole Republican to vote against it.

Fetterman acknowledged he could be the "difference-maker" in the vote after the hearing.

Mullin stated, "I want to protect the homeland, I want to bring peace of mind, I want to bring confidence back to the agency."

Mullin's nomination to be the Secretary of Homeland Security advanced by a vote of 8-7 in the Senate committee

The committee vote occurred on March 19th, 2026

Fetterman was the only Democrat to support Mullin's nomination

Mullin's confirmation hearing included heated exchanges, particularly with Sen. Rand Paul

Trump described Mullin as a "MAGA Warrior" who understands the "Wisdom and Courage required to Advance our America First Agenda"

Mullin stated, "I’m going to earn the job, I won’t fail you," during the hearing

WHERE:

U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.

WHEN:

A full Senate vote on Mullin's nomination is expected as early as the week of March 26th, 2026.

The committee vote occurred on March 19th, 2026, and a full Senate vote is expected as early as the week of March 26th, 2026.

The committee vote took place on March 19th, 2026

A full Senate vote could occur as early as the week of March 26th, 2026

Mullin's confirmation hearing was held on March 18th, 2026

WHY:

The nomination is part of a response to criticism over the Department of Homeland Security's immigration enforcement operations, with Democrats demanding stringent reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Peters criticized Mullin for failing to be "forthright and transparent" during the confirmation process, indicating a need for a leader who can restore trust in DHS.

The nomination is part of a response to criticism over the Department of Homeland Security's immigration enforcement operations

Democrats, including Schumer, have expressed concerns about the need for reforms at DHS, particularly regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

HOW:

The committee's decision followed a confirmation hearing that included discussions about Mullin's past comments and conduct, particularly regarding his remarks about Sen. Rand Paul.

The committee's decision to advance Mullin's nomination was influenced by Fetterman's support, which was crucial given the narrow vote margin.

Mullin's nomination advanced due to a simple majority vote in the committee

Fetterman's support was crucial for Mullin's advancement, as he was the only Democrat to vote in favor

The committee's decision followed a confirmation hearing that included discussions about Mullin's past comments and conduct

(UPDATED March 20, 2026 07:17 UTC)

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced Trump's nominee, Mullin, by a narrow vote of 8-7 on March 19, with only Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman supporting him among Democrats. Fetterman emphasized the need for leadership at the Department of Homeland Security, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced he would not support Mullin's nomination when it comes before the full Senate, which could happen as soon as the week of March 26. During the hearing, Mullin pledged, "I’m going to earn the job, I won’t fail you," as discussions centered around the need for reforms in immigration enforcement operations.

(UPDATED March 20, 2026 05:20 UTC)

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced Markwayne Mullin's nomination by a narrow vote of 8-7 on March 19, with Senator John Fetterman being the only Democrat to support him. During the confirmation process, Fetterman highlighted his open-minded approach, while Senator Rand Paul raised concerns about Mullin's temperament and past comments, questioning whether he is suitable to lead an agency that has faced scrutiny over its use of force. A full Senate vote on Mullin's nomination is expected as early as the week of March 26, amid ongoing demands for reforms in immigration enforcement operations.

(UPDATED March 19, 2026 21:09 UTC)

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced the nomination of Mullin by a narrow vote of 8-7 today, with Senator John Fetterman being the only Democrat to support him. During the confirmation process, Fetterman emphasized his strong working relationship with Mullin, while Senators Rand Paul and Gary Peters raised concerns about Mullin's temperament and transparency. A full Senate vote on Mullin's nomination is expected as early as the week of March 26, as part of ongoing discussions about reforms to immigration enforcement operations.

(UPDATED March 19, 2026 17:21 UTC)

Today, the Senate committee voted 8-7 to advance Trump's nominee for the Department of Homeland Security, with Senator Rand Paul being the only Republican to oppose the nomination. Senator John Fetterman expressed his belief that he could be the "difference-maker" in this process, while Senator Gary Peters criticized the nominee, stating he lacks the necessary experience and transparency to lead effectively. A full Senate vote on Mullin's nomination is anticipated as early as the week of March 26.

(UPDATED March 19, 2026 15:14 UTC)

In a significant development today, the Senate committee advanced Senator Markwayne Mullin's nomination to be the Secretary of Homeland Security by a narrow vote of eight to seven. The vote, which took place at the U.S. Capitol, saw Senator John Fetterman as the only Democrat supporting Mullin, who emphasized during his confirmation hearing that he intends to earn the job and not fail the American people. This nomination comes amid ongoing criticism of the Department of Homeland Security's immigration enforcement operations, with concerns raised by Democrats about the need for reforms within the agency.