The Senate Homeland Security Committee has officially scheduled the confirmation hearing for President Donald Trump’s DHS nominee, Senator Markwayne Mullin, for Wednesday, March 18. Set to begin at 9:30 a.m. E.T., the hearing will be a critical test for the Oklahoma Republican as he prepares to transition from the Senate to the Cabinet.
Mullin, a former undefeated MMA fighter, is expected to bring a "tough-as-nails" approach to the department’s primary mission of border security.
The timing of the hearing is particularly high-stakes as the Department of Homeland Security likely remains unfunded due to ongoing gridlock in Congress.
Mullin recently expressed his eagerness to take on the role despite the legislative hurdles. "I wasn't expecting the call today, but I am super excited. And I'm more excited about just getting ready to get started," Mullin said following his nomination.
Republicans have praised Mullin as the "adult in the room" needed to maintain the momentum of the administration's mass deportation agenda. He has vowed to work tirelessly to stop migrant crime and end the scourge of illegal drugs flowing into American communities. His supporters believe his background as a business owner and athlete provides the perfect foundation for managing the agency's 260,000 employees.