Mullin faces DHS confirmation hearing amid shutdown, TSA staffing problems

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., defended his grilling of President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday.

Paul made the comments to Fox News after the confirmation hearing for Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., who he said has "anger issues.

"I think there are anger issues. I think there's a lack of contrition, both about the violence perpetrated on me. but really, the violent episode he was involved in the Senate committee where he's told the media, frankly, that he doesn't regret it," Paul said, referencing Mullin's past dismissal of the 2017 assault against Paul.

"He's also told the media, he said it again today that there's historical precedent for violence, that caning and dueling happened all the time. And I pointed out, well, it was illegal 170, 200 years ago. They would actually flee and they would do it in areas that could fine with the law didn't reach. Sometimes they would actually go to Canada, sometimes they would go from one state to the other. But the mass of civilized, response, even in the 1850s or 1830s, was against dueling. That's why dueling was made illegal," he continued.

"And the fact that he can't bring himself to say that, you know, really, we shouldn't settle political questions with violence. I think that would be a terrible example for Ice and for our Border Patrol agents. We're in the midst, I think, of a crisis where there needs to be more direction from the top, and a guy who brawls, a guy who can't even say he's sorry about, you know, wishing violence on me and really applauding, the attack that happened on me can't come to say that. I don't know how he could, from my point of view, be a leader of ice or border," he added.

The confirmation hearing for Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., concluded Wednesday afternoon, but he Senators have yet to vote on his nomination.

Mullin faced hours of intense questioning from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle during his hearing before the Senate Homeland Security Committee on Wednesday.

Committee Chairman Rand Paul was particularly critical of Mullin, saying he has "anger issues" and referencing Mullin's past dismissal of the assault Paul suffered while mowing his lawn in 2017.

The hearing concluded just before 1 p.m., and senators are scheduled to meet once again Thursday morning to cast the final vote on Mullin's nomination. He is expected to make it through.

The confirmation hearing for Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., concluded Wednesday afternoon after lawmakers grilled the Trump nominee for over three hours.

The committee is scheduled to vote on Mullin's nomination Thursday morning.

President Donald Trump, who has picked Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., to lead the Department of Homeland Security, highlighted the National Border Patrol Council's endorsement of the senator for the job.

On Truth Social, Trump shared a screenshot of NBPC national president Paul Perez's letter to Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs chairman, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and ranking member Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., backing Mullin for the role. 

"The men and women of the National Border Patrol Council (NBPC) are excited to provide our support for President Donald J. Trump's nominee to be Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Senator Markwayne Mullin," the letter declares.

"The NBPC is proud to endorse Senator Mullin to be the next DHS Secretary, and we urge the Committee to swiftly pass and move his nomination to the full Senate," the letter, dated March 17, urges.

The committee is holding a hearing on Trump's nomination of Mullin on Tuesday.

Trump also posted a screenshot on Truth Social of a post on X in which the union expressed its support for Mullin.

"The National Border Patrol Council fully supports and endorses Senator @MarkwayneMullin to be the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security! We look forward to working with him to continue protecting our great nation under the tremendously successful leadership of @POTUS Donald J. Trump and his Administration," the Wednesday post on X declared.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Alex Nitzberg.

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., demanded that Democrats reinstate funding for the Department of Homeland Security during the confirmation hearing for his colleague, Sen. Markwayne Mullin, on Wednesday.

Hawley highlighted rampant online searches child sexual material, saying over 330,000 unique IP addresses search for the illegal content every month. The Senator showed a graphic highlighting each instance of the internet traffic, adding that only a tiny fraction of them were under investigation.

"In the best of times, the Department of Homeland Security has only ten HSI agents who are fully dedicated to doing this," Hawley said. "Right now, none of those are funded. Is this a good time for the Department of Homeland Security to be shut down?"

"I think any parent can look at that and it makes you sick, especially with teenage daughters, like myself," Mullin responded. "That's scary. We have to focus on this."

Sen. Markwayne Mullin responded to criticism from his colleague, Sen. Rand Paul, during his confirmation hearing to lead the Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday.

Mullin admitted to Paul that the pair just "don't get along," but asked Paul to allow him to earn his respect.

Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, condemned Democrats for withholding paychecks from hundreds of thousands of Homeland Security employees during his colleague Sen. Markwayne Mullin's confirmation hearing on Wednesday.

Moreno said over 260,000 DHS employees have gone at least a month without a paycheck, impacting both their lives and the travel of millions of Americans.

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., grilled Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., on his history of personal attacks against Paul during his opening statement at Wednesday's Homeland Security confirmation hearing.

Paul accused Mullin of gloating that he supported the 2017 assault against Paul, which saw the Kentucky senator hospitalized for weeks with broken ribs and a dangerous infection.

"Recently, Senator Mullin, if you have time to listen, you were confronted by constituents that were angry because you voted against my amendment to stop all funding for refugee welfare programs. Instead of explaining your vote to continue these welfare programs for refugees, you decided to transfer the blame. You told the media that I was a 'freakin' snake,' and that you completely understood why I had been assaulted," Paul said.

"I was shocked that would justify and celebrate this violent assault that caused me so much pain and my family so much pain. I just wonder if someone who applauds 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 continued. "You might argue you were mad and upset about being confronted by your constituents, but Senator Mullen, your constituents are justifiably upset with you."

"You went on to brag that you had already told me to my face that you completely understood and approved of the assault. Well, that's a lie. You've got a chance today. You can either continue to lie or you can correct the record. You have never had the courage to look me in the eye and tell me that the assault was justified. So today you'll have your chance. Today I'll give you that chance to clear the record. Tell it to my face if that's what you believe. Tell it to me today. Tell the world why you believe I deserve to be assaulted from behind, have six ribs broken and a damaged lung. Tell me to my face why you think I deserved it," he continued.

"And while you're at it, explain to the American public why they should trust a man with anger issues. To set the proper example for Ice and Border Patrol agents. Explain to the American public how a man who has no regrets about brawling in a Senate committee can set a proper example for over 250,000 men and women who work at the Department of Homeland Security." he finished.

Mullin, during his opening statement, made no apologies for his past comments about Paul and reiterated his claim that he had told Paul to his face that he understood why his neighbor felt justified in attack him in 2017.

"I'm willing to set it aside," Mullin said, saying the two just "don't get along."

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., arrived to his confirmation hearing where his colleagues will vote on whether to make him secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., joined Fox News on Wednesday morning to discuss the SAVE America Act as well as the confirmation hearing for his fellow Oklahoma Senator, Markwayne Mullin.

Lankford says it is extremely important that the Senate confirm Mullin to his position at the head of the Department of Homeland Security, particularly given the agency's ongoing shutdown.

As American airports and travelers continue to suffer the impacts of the DHS shutdown — and as TSA officers continue to go without paychecks — some European countries are warning those who would potentially visit the U.S.

The United Kingdom, for example, updated its foreign travel advice for those looking to travel to the U.S. — calling out the "travel disruption."

Its advisory says, "There could be longer than usual queues at some U.S. airports due to a partial US government shutdown."

It goes on, "Check with your travel provider, departure airport or airline for the latest guidance."

The delays are occurring because Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are calling out from work after going unpaid for the third time in nearly six months.

There was a national callout rate of 10.19% on Sunday, a TSA spokesperson told Fox News Digital this week.

That's the highest rate the agency has seen.

On Tuesday, the Hartsfield-Jackson airport in Atlanta cautioned travelers about delays in an X-post — and called out passengers for attempting to hack the system.

"We are seeing increased congestion at the International Terminal Checkpoint caused by domestic travelers attempting to bypass lines in the Domestic Terminal," wrote airport officials. 

"If you are flying domestically, please use the Domestic Security Checkpoints. At this time, wait times at the International Checkpoint are longer than those at the Domestic Terminal."

Over the weekend, callouts spiked at major airports, with Houston reaching over 50% — while New Orleans and Atlanta airport callouts hit over 30%.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Ashley DiMella.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., is drawing support from some of Congress’ most vocal China and Cuba hawks — and even some Democrats — to lead the Department of Homeland Security, though critics say the combative lawmaker lacks the experience and temperament for the post.

The nomination comes as the Department of Homeland Security sits at the center of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown and broader homeland security agenda, placing whoever leads the agency in charge of border enforcement, FEMA disaster response and counterterrorism operations at a time of mounting geopolitical pressure.

Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., who sits on the Homeland Security Committee and will question Mullin at Wednesday’s confirmation hearing, said his fellow Oklahoman is the "right man at the right time" to lead the agency.

"With the most secure border, now is the time to build on that progress and continue protecting our homeland," Lankford said.

"Unfortunately, in Oklahoma, we understand a thing or two about natural disasters, and FEMA is ready for reform," Lankford added, expressing optimism Mullin will bring reform to the key DHS sub-agency. "Markwayne Mullin will be a strong leader in turning FEMA around." 

Supporters point to Mullin’s hardline views on China and warnings about potential upheaval in Cuba as reasons he is well-suited to lead DHS at a volatile geopolitical moment. Critics, however, argue the combative senator lacks the judgment and experience needed for the role.

Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., the only Cuban-born member of Congress and one of Washington’s most vocal Cuba hawks, gave Mullin a ringing endorsement.

"I served with Sen. Markwayne Mullin in the U.S. House. Department of Homeland Security employees are currently working without pay due to the Democrats’ deranged partisan shutdown. I trust Markwayne will lead the Department with integrity and implement a much-needed course-correction to protect our citizens," Gimenez told Fox News Digital.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Charles Creitz.

President Donald Trump called for Democrats to pay a "big price" in the midterm elections for forcing the Department of Homeland Security shutdown.

Trump blamed the Democrats for "causing chaos at the airports" as the DHS remains unfunded and TSA officers work without pay, many not showing up to work at all.

"The Democrat’s purposeful DHS SHUTDOWN is causing chaos at the airports. These Lunatics are being totally unreasonable in their Radical Left asks. They are FULLY TO BLAME, and must pay a big price, for the good of our Country, in the Midterm Elections. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" Trump wrote.

Tens of thousands of U.S. travelers have faced heavy delays and cancelled flights in recent days thanks to the shutdown. Some airports have had upward of 30% of their TSA workers call out of work because they aren't receiving paychecks.

Acting Deputy Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator Adam Stahl warned Tuesday that smaller airports might be forced to shut down if more security workers call out or quit amid an ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown that has withheld their paychecks.

Stahl said the TSA has already depleted its National Deployment Office of all available workers, spreading its resources as thin as they’ll go.

"So at this point, we're fully stretched," he told "Fox & Friends." "Frankly, there's not much else we can do. As the weeks continue, if this continues, it's not hyperbole to suggest that we may have to quite literally shut down airports, particularly smaller ones, if callout rates go up... A lot of those officers can't afford to come in."

Union leaders representing TSA workers warned Monday that "every available financial option has been exhausted" as agents cope with "eviction notices, vehicle repossessions, empty refrigerators and overdrawn bank accounts.

"Stahl said some TSA workers are living paycheck to paycheck, sleeping in their cars or even having blood drawn to afford their expenses. He said he spoke to one officer who couldn't afford care for her child with special needs.

About 300 TSA officers have quit, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Sunday, and a TSA spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the nationwide callout rate has shot up to 10.19% during the shutdown, compared to just 2% before.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Max Bacall.

Atlanta TSA officer George Borek urged Congress to solve the Department of Homeland Security's funding crisis "today," telling lawmakers to "leave their egos at the door."

Borek made the statement during a Wednesday morning appearance on Fox & Friends, interviewing with host Brian Kilmeade.

Kilmeade asked Borek directly who who blames for the shutdown and the TSA agents who are having to work without pay.

"I will say this: The people that have the responsibility of bringing this to an end can do it today," Borek said. "What they need to do is, you know, leave their egos at the door, get inside and come up with a solution to the problem."

"Because, we don't deserve this as TSA agents that are trying to keep the skies safe, but also the traveling public doesn't deserve this," he said, going on to cite examples where families with children have missed their cruise ships and connecting flights thanks to delays.

"Try explaining that to a six year old," he said.

President Donald Trump's administration presented five concessions it says it is willing to make in order to secure further funding for the Department of Homeland Security this week.

The White House released the list on Tuesday, though Democrats in Congress remain largely unmoved.

The concessions include expanding the use of body-worn cameras by DHS officers; limiting civil immigration enforcement activities at sensitive locations; Congressional oversight of DHS detention facilities; visible officer identification, and a pledge the DHS will not deport or detain any US citizen unless they are violating the law.

Senate Democrats are set to grill Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., during his confirmation hearing on Wednesday, his first hurdle to becoming the next Homeland Security chief.

Mullin’s confirmation hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee comes as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) remains shuttered over Democrats’ desire for stringent reforms to the agency’s immigration enforcement operations.

Senate Democrats on the panel plan to use those demands to gauge Mullin’s willingness to make changes at the agency. They have argued since current DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's reassignment from the position that changes must go beyond a shift in personnel.

"He's made some pretty incendiary statements that reflect his resistance to reform and would make him unqualified, unless he has a clear explanation and even retraction," Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., told Fox News Digital.

When asked if he wanted guarantees on changes to the agency, Blumenthal said Mullin "needs to make commitments for reform."

"If he fails to make commitments to far-reaching and fundamental reform, he should be defeated and rejected," he said.

Mullin also has an icy relationship with Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who chairs the committee. When asked how the hearing could go, Paul said, "Come tomorrow, and you’ll find out more."

Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., the top-ranking Democrat on the Homeland committee, said that he plans to give Mullin a fair shake but has questions about his colleague’s views on how the agency could change with him at the helm.

"Certainly, I'd like to get his assessment of how he sees things currently and what he might change," Peters told Fox News Digital. "That would be a fair range of questions.

"Senate Republicans are sprinting to move Mullin through the process, given that President Donald Trump wants Mullin in and Noem out by March 31. The confirmation hearing is the first step, and despite Democratic resistance, Mullin will likely clear that hurdle and head for a full vote in the Senate later this month.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Alex Miller.