Senator Markwayne Mullin, Republican from Oklahoma, advanced past a key Senate vote Sunday, moving closer to confirmation as the next Secretary of Homeland Security amid the ongoing DHS shutdown. President Donald Trump nominated Mullin to replace current DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who was dismissed following controversial hearings and immigration-related deaths in Minnesota.
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Sunday’s vote, largely along party lines with Democrat Senator John Fetterman as a pivotal exception, followed Mullin’s contentious confirmation hearing earlier in the week. Mullin faced tough questioning from Senate Democrats and Republican Senator Rand Paul, a former adversary, yet maintained his prior remarks and pledged to learn from past mistakes.
If confirmed in the expected final vote Monday evening, Mullin will inherit leadership of an agency currently shut down amid a funding impasse. Senate Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have blocked DHS funding five times demanding comprehensive reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including stricter warrant requirements.
During his hearing, Mullin appeared receptive to some Democratic priorities. He agreed that ICE agents should secure judicial warrants—not just administrative ones—to enter homes or businesses, except in hot pursuit situations.
Efforts to resolve the shutdown saw some movement earlier this week when Senate Democrats submitted a DHS funding counteroffer to the White House after a pause in negotiations. Bipartisan meetings with Senators Susan Collins and Katie Britt and border officials occurred, although a planned follow-up Saturday session was canceled.
With the shutdown nearing record length, Senate Majority Leader John Thune criticized Democrats for prolonging the stalemate at the expense of government workers and key national security functions. Mullin’s nomination has yet to break Democratic opposition, who remain focused on structural changes to ICE.
The final Senate vote on Mullin’s confirmation is scheduled for Monday evening. The outcome will determine the leadership direction for DHS as lawmakers continue negotiations to reopen the department.
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