senator Rand Paul (R-KY) Senate confirmation hearings begin Markwayne Mullin In a high-profile challenge, the nominee for Homeland Security secretary was urged to “tell me to my face” why Paul was attacked and suffered broken ribs.
The hearings for Mullin, Trump’s pick for the Department of Homeland Security, apparently began in chaos. He has been nominated to take over Kristi Noem.
Paul slams Mullin’s ‘anger issues’ during heated confirmation hearing: Five things to know
- Paul, the committee chairman, rebuked Mullin in his opening remarks, saying he “understands” why Paul was violently attacked by a neighbor in 2017. “I just wonder whether someone who celebrates violence against a political opponent is appropriate to lead an institution that has struggled to accept limits on the appropriate use of force,” he said.
- Paul said Mullin’s criticism was indicative of a larger “pattern” of confrontational behavior, showing footage of previous altercations involving Mullin and questioning whether Americans should trust a “person with anger issues to set an appropriate example for ICE and Border Patrol agents.”
- Mullin responded to Paul by acknowledging that he was “very forthright” and “could understand why [Paul’s] neighbor did what he did,” but said he does not support political violence. He stressed that his differences with Paul and other senators “do not stop me from doing my job as secretary of Homeland Security at all,” further asserting that “I will protect everyone” and that the position is “bigger than our partisan bickering.”
- “I’m not afraid of challenges,” Mullin said. “I’m afraid of failure.” He added: “We have to Department of Homeland Security funding,” referring to the looming shutdown.
- Paul has yet to reveal his vote for Mullin’s confirmation; however, the Oklahoma senator apparently lacks supporters for his position as chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “The record should show — and I think will show — a lack of contrition, no apology, no regret for your support,” Paul responded.
“I will not apologize for pointing out your character,” Mullin added.
Mullin’s confirmation hearing is scheduled to take place all day Wednesday, and senators on the Homeland Security Committee are expected to vote on Mullin’s nomination on Thursday, Politico reported.
The hearing comes as the Department of Homeland Security shuts down for 32 days, resulting in longer airport security lines and leaving employees without pay for weeks.
