Fetterman crosses the aisle to back Mullin for DHS chief

Democrat John Fetterman voted with Republicans on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to advance Markwayne Mullin’s nomination to head the Department of Homeland Security, citing a need for strong leadership and national security. His AYE came after Mullin faced temperament concerns from Rand Paul, with the committee’s 8-7 vote paving Mullin’s path to a full Senate vote likely next week; Mullin would lead DHS’s 260,000-strong workforce, including ICE, TSA and the Coast Guard. Fetterman said the decision reflected an open-minded approach and a commitment to reopening DHS while maintaining a constructive working relationship with Mullin.