Mullin's DHS Nomination Advances Despite Concerns

In Anchorage, it's March 19th.

Here's what is happening.

The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs voted 8-7 on Thursday

to advance Oklahoma Senator Mark Wayne Mullins.

Nominations ahead the Department of Homeland Security, this narrow win sends the Republican

Senator's bid to the full Senate floor for a final vote.

The decision followed a heated confirmation hearing the day before, where Kentucky Senator

Rand Paul, the committee chair and a fellow Republican, broke ranks and voted no.

Paul raised concerns about Mullins' past temper, citing old remarks where Mullin called

him a freaking snake and sided with a neighbor who attacked, Paul years ago.

Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Federman provided the key crossover vote, joining Republicans

to push it forward.

Federman praised his working relationship with Mullin on national security issues.

Mullin promised to shake things up at the agency, unlike his predecessor, Christie Knowham,

whom President Trump recently reassigned.

He wants to scrap her policy of personally approving disaster grants and tone down high-profile

immigration enforcement that's drawn bad press.

Democrats like Michigan Senator Gary Peters worry Mullin can't rebuild public trust in

the Department.

If confirmed, Mullin would likely resign his Senate seat, much like Florida Senator Marco

Rubio did last year when he took over at the state.

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