The Senate on Sunday advanced the nomination of Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) to serve as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, clearing another procedural hurdle ahead of a final confirmation vote in the coming days.
Lawmakers voted 54-37 to invoke cloture on Mullin’s nomination, a step that limits debate and sets up a final vote on whether to confirm the Oklahoma Republican nomination.
Two Democrats, Sens. John Fetterman (D-PA) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM), joined Republicans in supporting the motion. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), who clashed with Mullin in his confirmation hearing last week, did not vote.
The vote does not confirm Mullin to the post but begins a mandatory debate period of up to 30 hours before the Senate can hold a final up-or-down vote. If confirmed by a sweeping majority, Mullin would then be sworn in as DHS secretary.
Fetterman said Mullin got his “yes” vote reflects his commitment to reopening DHS and maintaining a professional relationship with the soon-to-be department head.
“We must reopen DHS. My aye is rooted in a strong committed, constructive working relationship with Sen. Mullin for our nation’s security,” Fetterman said.
Mullin’s nomination to replace Kristi Noem as DHS secretary has moved forward amid a contentious political backdrop, including a standoff over funding for the department and broader disagreements over immigration enforcement policies.
Earlier this week, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee narrowly advanced Mullin’s nomination in an 8-7 vote, with Fetterman also providing decisive support while Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) defected and voted against approval.
President Donald Trump nominated Mullin to replace Noem, who was removed from the role following mounting criticism over the department’s handling of immigration enforcement and disaster response.
During his confirmation hearing, Mullin sought to reassure lawmakers that he would bring stability to the department while continuing to support Trump’s immigration agenda. He also indicated openness to some policy changes, including requiring judicial warrants in most cases before agents enter homes.
Still, Mullin’s nomination has faced opposition, such as from Paul, who cited concerns about his temperament.
SENATE COMMITTEE ADVANCES NOMINATION OF MARKWAYNE MULLIN AS HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY
Democrats have also raised questions about Mullin’s experience managing a large federal agency and his stance on the use of force by federal immigration officers.
The final confirmation vote is expected as early as Monday or Tuesday, after which Mullin could assume the role if approved by the Senate by a majority vote.
