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The Senate confirmed Sen. Markwayne Mullin as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security late Monday, approving President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the agency following the removal of former Secretary Kristi Noem.
Mullin, a Republican senator from Oklahoma and close ally of President Trump, was confirmed by a 54-45 vote that largely followed party lines.
He assumes leadership of the department amid significant political and operational challenges. Funding for the Department of Homeland Security has lapsed since Feb. 14 amid a budget standoff in Congress, contributing to staffing shortages and long airport waits as Transportation Security Administration officers call out rather than work without pay.
President Trump has also ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to assist with airport security during the funding lapse.
Mullin told lawmakers during his confirmation hearing that he intends to bring stability to the department.
“I can have different opinions with everybody in this room, but as secretary of homeland I’ll be protecting everybody,” Mullin said.
Mullin, who served more than a decade in Congress and previously ran a family plumbing business in Oklahoma, has not been known primarily for work on immigration policy. However, he has been a strong supporter of Trump’s immigration agenda and of ICE officers.
His nomination sparked debate in the Senate. Homeland Security Committee Chairman Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., questioned Mullin’s temperament during a contentious hearing and ultimately voted against advancing the nomination from committee.
Some Democrats also expressed concern that Mullin would closely follow the White House’s immigration policies.
Despite those objections, several lawmakers voiced support for the nominee.
“Markwayne Mullin is ready to lead,” said Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming, the Senate’s No. 2 Republican. He said Mullin would “serve with seriousness and character. He will be a leader who makes our country safer.”
Mullin’s first major challenge will be resolving the funding impasse that has left the department operating without a full budget.