The first confirmation hearing for Senator Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., who was nominated by President Donald Trump to lead the Department of Homeland Security, is scheduled for Wednesday, March 18.
Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chair Rand Paul, R-Ky., stated on Monday that the process could take “a week from Wednesday” if all paperwork is submitted.
President Trump has indicated he aims for Mullin’s confirmation by the end of the month, with Republican leaders working to expedite the nomination. Kristi Noem was removed as secretary of homeland security last Thursday, ending her tenure in the role.
Paul has yet to commit to voting for Mullin, who has broad support among Republicans, stating he will reserve his judgment until after the hearing.
Republicans can advance Mullin’s nomination without Democratic votes, but Senator John Fetterman, D-Pa., has already pledged to support him.
Mullin previously called Paul a “freaking snake,” according to Oklahoma journalist David Arnett, following Paul’s opposition to Republican-backed funding packages.
“I respect [Vermont Sen.] Bernie Sanders because he’s an open socialist, and you know that he’s a communist, so you know what you’re getting. Rand Paul’s a freaking snake,” Mullin said in front of voters.
“Rand doesn’t ever vote with [Republicans] when it comes to appropriation bills. I had to vote against it because if that would have passed, not only would it have killed the bill, but it would also have killed the farm bill which is tied to social programs,” Mullin added.
