Senate Republicans Advance Markwayne Mullin's Nomination to Lead DHS

The Senate vote clears the way for Mullin's confirmation as early as Monday evening.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 11:34am

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Senate Republicans have advanced the nomination of Sen. Markwayne Mullin for secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, paving the way for his confirmation as early as Monday evening. The Senate voted 54-37 on Sunday to invoke cloture, clearing a procedural hurdle and allowing a final vote on his confirmation.

Why it matters

Mullin's nomination to lead the Department of Homeland Security comes after the firing of former Secretary Kristi Noem, whose leadership was marked by controversy over issues like the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal immigration officers and a $220 million advertising contract. Mullin's confirmation would place a new leader at the helm of the department during a period of scrutiny.

The details

The vote was mostly along party lines, with Democratic Sens. John Fetterman and Martin Heinrich joining Republicans in approving the motion. GOP Sen. Rand Paul, who chairs the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, was the only Republican to vote against Mullin's nomination in committee last week. Paul has been vocally opposed to Mullin's confirmation, accusing him of lying about a past incident.

  • The Senate voted 54-37 on Sunday afternoon to invoke cloture.
  • The Senate is expected to vote on Mullin's confirmation on Monday night.

The players

Markwayne Mullin

A Republican senator from Oklahoma who has been nominated to serve as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Kristi Noem

The former secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, who was fired by President Donald Trump.

John Fetterman

A Democratic senator from Pennsylvania who voted to advance Mullin's nomination.

Martin Heinrich

A Democratic senator from New Mexico who voted to advance Mullin's nomination.

Rand Paul

A Republican senator from Kentucky who chairs the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and voted against Mullin's nomination in committee.

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What they’re saying

“My AYE is rooted in a strong committed, constructive working relationship with Senator Mullin for our nation's security.”

— John Fetterman, U.S. Senator

“We often disagree and when we do, we work to find whatever common ground we share. I have also seen first-hand that Markwayne is not someone who can simply be bullied into changing his views, and I look forward to having a secretary who doesn't take their orders from Stephen Miller.”

— Martin Heinrich, U.S. Senator

What’s next

The Senate is expected to vote on Mullin's confirmation on Monday night.

The takeaway

Mullin's nomination to lead the Department of Homeland Security comes at a time of scrutiny over the department's leadership and policies, and his confirmation would install a new secretary who is expected to take a different approach than his predecessor.