Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) commenced the confirmation hearing for Senator Markwayne Mullin with a striking challenge, urging the nominee for Homeland Security secretary to “tell me to my face” the reasons why Paul warranted an assault that resulted in broken ribs.
The hearing for Trump’s DHS pick Mullin obviously kicked off on a tumultuous note. He has been nominated to succeed Kristi Noem.
Paul blasts Mullin’s ‘anger issues’ in fiery confirmation hearing: 5 things to know
- Paul, who presides over the committee, reprimanded Mullin during his opening remarks for implying that he “understood” the rationale behind the violent assault Paul endured from his neighbor in 2017. He stated, “I just wonder if someone who celebrates violence against their political opponents is the right person to lead an agency that has struggled to accept limits to the proper use of force.”
- Paul stated that Mullin’s critique is indicative of a larger “pattern” of confrontational conduct, presenting footage of previous altercations involving Mullin and questioning whether the American populace should place their trust in a man “with anger issues to set the proper example for ICE and Border Patrol agents.”
- Mullin replied to Paul by recognizing that he is “very blunt” and “could understand why [Paul’s] neighbor did what he did,” but he stated that he does not support political violence. He emphasized that his differences with Paul and other senators would not “keep me, at all, from doing my job” as DHS secretary, further asserting, “I’ll be protecting everyone” and the position is “bigger than the partisan bickering we have.”
- “I am not scared of a challenge,” Mullin stated. “I am scared of failure.” He added that “We have to get DHS funded,” in reference to the looming shutdown.
- Paul has not disclosed his voting intentions regarding Mullin’s confirmation; however, it is evident that the senator from Oklahoma lacks a supporter in the chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “The record should show — and I think will show — a lack of contrition, no apology, and no regrets for your support,” Paul replied.
“I’m not apologizing for pointing out your character,” Mullin added.
Mullin’s confirmation hearing is set to proceed all day on Wednesday, with senators from the Homeland Security committee anticipated to cast their votes on Mullin’s nomination on Thursday, as reported by Politico.
This hearing occurs amidst a 32-day shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, resulting in extended airport security lines and employees facing weeks without receiving their paychecks.
