Fetterman Urges Democrats to Back Mullin for DHS Secretary Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) is calling on Democratic lawmakers to support Sen. Markwayne Mullin’s (R-Okla.) nomination for secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), arguing that the Republican senator deserves a chance to lead the agency. Fetterman, who has previously expressed skepticism about the political divide in the Senate, reiterated his intention to vote for Mullin’s confirmation during a recent interview. However, he acknowledged uncertainty about how many Democrats would follow suit, emphasizing the need for bipartisan cooperation. Fetterman’s comments came as Mullin prepares to appear before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs for his confirmation hearing. During the interview, Fetterman criticized the political gridlock, questioning why Democrats should withhold support from a candidate who shares his priorities on border security and immigration enforcement. “Why can’t you just give someone a chance?” he asked, reflecting his frustration with the party’s reluctance to back Mullin despite his qualifications. The push for Mullin’s confirmation follows President Trump’s decision to replace Kristi Noem as DHS secretary, a move that drew mixed reactions from Democrats. While some praised the move as a response to Noem’s handling of immigration and FEMA oversight, others argued that a personnel change alone would not address systemic issues within the agency. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) stressed that “a change in personnel is not sufficient. We need a change in policy,” highlighting the broader concerns about DHS operations. Mullin’s nomination also comes amid a prolonged government shutdown of the DHS, which has been stalled for over a month due to funding disputes.#department_of_homeland_security #sen_john_fetterman #sen_markwayne_mullin #hakeem_jeffries
