What to know about Sen. Markwayne Mullin's hearing for DHS secretary
Department of Homeland Security Secretary nominee Sen. Markwayne Mullin testified before a panel of lawmakers Wednesday, promising to work across the aisle and bring changes to department agencies, including ICE and FEMA.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary nominee Sen. Markwayne Mullin testified before a panel of lawmakers Wednesday, promising to work across the aisle and bring changes to department agencies, including ICE and FEMA.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary nominee Sen. Markwayne Mullin testified before a panel of lawmakers Wednesday, promising to work across the aisle and bring changes to department agencies, including ICE and FEMA.
Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin testified before a group of senators Wednesday, pledging to set aside partisanship and to work with lawmakers to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in a different direction than his predecessor, Kristi Noem.
"I want to protect the homeland. I want to bring peace of mind. I want to bring confidence back to the agency," Mullin said during the Senate Homeland Security Committee's hours-long confirmation hearing.
Mullin outlined his vision for immigration enforcement, proposing that federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), work more closely with local law enforcement to carry out their duties.
"I would love to see ICE become a transport more than the frontline," Mullin said.
Under his leadership, Mullin said federal agents would need a judicial warrant before entering homes or businesses to make an immigration arrest, with an exception for agents in active pursuit.
Mullin also said he would expedite disaster payments and better serve rural communities to improve the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) response. He advocated reforming the agency, not eliminating it — an idea President Donald Trump has repeatedly floated.
"(FEMA's) got a great mission, and I think people at FEMA want to do their job," Mullin said.
If confirmed, Mullin would enter at a contentious time for DHS. The department faces a months-long funding lapse due to Democrats' demands for changes to immigration enforcement following the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis by federal agents.
Video below: Sen. Rand Paul says Markwayne Mullin condoned violence against him
The resulting shutdown has impacted thousands of federal workers, including Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents. Many are working without pay.
"It's unconscionable," Mullin replied when asked about his view on the current partial shutdown.
Mullin addressed past comments on the shooting of Alex Pretti, admitting he called Pretti a "deranged individual" before knowing all the facts. Mullin said he regretted the statement and that a similar incident would not happen if appointed as secretary.
The Senate Homeland Security Committee is expected to vote on Mullin's confirmation on Thursday, though committee chairman Rand Paul indicated he may pull the vote due to unsatisfactory answers regarding a classified trip Mullin took 10 years ago.
Watch the latest on Sen. Markwayne Mullin's confirmation hearing:
