WATCH: Senate Homeland Security panel advances Markwayne Mullin's nomination for DHS

PBS NewsHour
by Meg Kinnard, Associated Press
March 19, 2026
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2 min read

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The Bottom Line

Sen. Markwayne Mullin's DHS secretary nomination advanced from Senate committee in narrow 8-7 vote.

AI Summary

Sen. Markwayne Mullin's nomination for homeland security secretary cleared the Senate Homeland Security Committee on Thursday in a narrow vote, moving him closer to confirmation. Mullin, an Oklahoma Republican, would replace the current DHS leadership under the Trump administration if confirmed by the full Senate. The tight committee vote suggests the nomination faces potential resistance, though Republicans control the chamber. Mullin's confirmation would give Trump a key figure to oversee immigration enforcement and border security, two priority issues for the administration. A full Senate vote is expected to follow the committee's advancement.

What's Being Done

Senate Homeland Security Committee approved Mullin's nomination; a full Senate vote is expected to follow.

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