Mullin's DHS Secretary Nomination Clears Senate Committee with Fetterman's Support

The Oklahoma Republican's nomination heads to full Senate vote after narrow committee approval.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 9:22pm

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Sen. Markwayne Mullin's nomination to be the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security narrowly cleared a Senate committee vote 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 nomination to lead the Department of Homeland Security is a key appointment in the new administration, overseeing critical national security and immigration functions. The narrow committee vote and bipartisan support signal potential challenges Mullin may face in the full Senate confirmation process.

The details

Mullin's nomination advanced out of the Senate committee by a vote of 8-7, securing the simple majority needed to move forward. Democratic Sen. John Fetterman's support was seen as crucial in the close committee vote.

  • The Senate committee vote took place on March 18, 2026.
  • Mullin's nomination could receive a final Senate floor vote as soon as next week.

The players

Markwayne Mullin

U.S. Senator from Oklahoma and the nominee to be the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

John Fetterman

Democratic U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania who provided crucial support for Mullin's nomination in the committee vote.

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What’s next

The full Senate is expected to hold a final confirmation vote on Mullin's nomination as soon as next week.

The takeaway

Mullin's narrow committee approval, with bipartisan support, signals potential challenges he may face in the final Senate confirmation process to lead the Department of Homeland Security.