Mullin's DHS Secretary Nomination Clears Senate Committee

Oklahoma Republican's nomination advances with Democratic support

Mar. 19, 2026 at 7:20pm

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Sen. Markwayne Mullin's nomination to be the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security narrowly cleared the Senate Homeland Security Committee on Thursday, with the help of Democratic Sen. John Fetterman. The 8-7 committee vote sets up Mullin's nomination for a final vote on the Senate floor as soon as next week.

Why it matters

Mullin's confirmation would fill a key leadership role at the Department of Homeland Security, which has been without a permanent secretary since President Trump fired Kristi Noem earlier this year. The DHS plays a critical role in national security and immigration enforcement, making Mullin's nomination an important political battle.

The details

Mullin's nomination advanced out of committee despite a series of contentious exchanges during his confirmation hearing on Wednesday. Republican Sen. Rand Paul, the committee chairman, ultimately voted against Mullin, meaning Fetterman's support as the lone Democrat was crucial to pushing the nomination through. Mullin's nomination will now head to the full Senate, where he is expected to be confirmed.

  • Mullin's confirmation hearing was held on March 18, 2026.
  • The Senate Homeland Security Committee voted on Mullin's nomination on March 19, 2026.

The players

Markwayne Mullin

A Republican U.S. Senator from Oklahoma who has been nominated to be the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

John Fetterman

A Democratic U.S. Senator who provided the crucial vote to advance Mullin's DHS secretary nomination out of the Senate committee.

Rand Paul

The Republican chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, who ultimately voted against Mullin's nomination in committee.

Kristi Noem

The former DHS Secretary who was fired by President Trump earlier this year.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— John Fetterman, U.S. Senator

What’s next

Mullin's nomination will now head to the full Senate, where he is expected to be confirmed in a final vote as soon as next week.

The takeaway

Mullin's narrow committee approval, with the help of a Democratic vote, highlights the partisan divide over his nomination and the importance of the DHS secretary role in the current political climate. His confirmation would fill a key leadership vacancy at the agency responsible for national security and immigration enforcement.