Senate ready to confirm Mullin to Homeland Security as TSA standoff deepens
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- The Senate is expected to confirm Markwayne Mullin, a Republican senator and close ally of President Trump, as the new homeland security secretary following the firing of Kristi Noem amid controversy over immigration enforcement and deportations.
- Mullin aims to stabilize the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and reduce its visibility in the news, but faced criticism over his character and temperament during confirmation hearings, including opposition from Republican Sen. Rand Paul.
- Mullin inherits a department facing a funding shutdown and political stalemate over immigration enforcement policies, with Democrats demanding tighter restrictions on ICE operations and transparency measures such as body cameras and judicial warrants.
- While Mullin has pledged to protect all Americans and indicated some willingness to reform enforcement tactics, he is expected to closely follow the White House's hardline immigration agenda, including efforts to deport one million people annually.
- In addition to immigration, Mullin will oversee FEMA and federal disaster aid, taking charge amid criticism of previous leadership for slow disaster response and ongoing vacancies in key departmental positions.
