All articles tagged with #rand paul
Sen. Rand Paul, chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, must decide whether to back a party-line DHS immigration-enforcement package tucked into the budget reconciliation process, a move likely to shape tens of billions for ICE and CBP ahead of a June deadline, while balancing his libertarian-leaning views, Trump-era pressure from party leadership, and his own 2028 presidential bid.
Sen. Rand Paul says a 2028 presidential bid is “fifty-fifty,” signaling he aims to carve a libertarian lane within a populist GOP. The live updates also cover a fast-tracked DHS funding stopgap, TSA pay restoration amid the ongoing DHS shutdown, and broader Capitol Hill debates over immigration enforcement and the federal budget.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin was sworn in as the ninth U.S. secretary of Homeland Security, succeeding Kristi Noem, as Democrats withhold TSA funding to press changes at ICE and CBP. Mullin, a former MMA champion and small-business owner, pledged to protect all Americans equally and to fight for the job every day. His confirmation overcame a clash with Sen. Rand Paul, aided by Democratic votes from John Fetterman and Martin Heinrich, with President Trump in attendance.
The Senate voted 54-37 to advance Sen. Markwayne Mullin’s nomination to head the Department of Homeland Security, setting up a likely confirmation this week despite Republican opposition from Rand Paul and Democratic concerns about his temperament and experience amid ongoing DHS funding talks.
The Senate Homeland Security Committee advanced Sen. Markwayne Mullin’s nomination to be the next Homeland Security secretary by an 8-7 vote, in a clash that saw Rand Paul oppose and John Fetterman break with Democrats to back Mullin after tense confirmation hearings.
The Senate homeland security committee approved Markwayne Mullin’s nomination to lead the Department of Homeland Security, creating a glide path for a full Senate confirmation vote in coming days. Rand Paul opposed the nomination, while Democrat John Fetterman backed Mullin, signaling a likely party-line but potentially bipartisan path to final approval as lawmakers prepare for the floor vote.
Rep. Markwayne Mullin’s bid to lead the Department of Homeland Security faced a fiery Senate hearing with Sen. Rand Paul signaling opposition and Democrats remaining skeptical, signaling a rocky path to confirmation though a committee vote is expected and a floor vote could follow next week or a negative recommendation may be used; the update stream also notes defense funding talks over a potential $200 billion package, Kevin Hern’s endorsement for Mullin’s open Senate seat, and other Capitol actions including revisions to Chávez memorial legislation and Bernie Sanders’ push to disapprove Israel arms sales.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune says Markwayne Mullin is likely to be confirmed as Homeland Security secretary despite a heated exchange with Rand Paul at a hearing; a committee vote is set for Thursday, with Paul’s support uncertain, though Mullin could win Democratic backing from Sen. John Fetterman, who indicated openness to the nomination.
The Senate rejected a Democratic push to force debate and curb President Trump’s unilateral authority to wage war on Iran without congressional authorization, voting 53-47 largely along party lines. Rand Paul was the sole Republican in support, John Fetterman the only Democrat to oppose, and Cory Booker led the effort. This marked a second Democratic attempt to weigh in on the ongoing US-Israeli campaign against Iran, which has accrued casualties and significant costs.
During Mullin's confirmation hearing to be Homeland Security Secretary, Sen. Rand Paul accused him of having “anger issues” and pressed Mullin to address past remarks insulting Paul and a 2017 assault, arguing a leader who endorses violence isn’t fit to lead DHS. Mullin defended himself, saying he would set aside partisan bickering to earn the job but did not apologize for prior comments. The hearing also featured a dispute over who could introduce Mullin, with Sen. Katie Britt blocked from doing so, and Democrats signaling the nomination could advance to a full Senate vote.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin, President Trump’s pick to head the Department of Homeland Security, faced a tense confirmation hearing where Sen. Rand Paul pressed him on past remarks about Paul and on undisclosed, reportedly classified overseas travel, potentially delaying the panel’s vote amid a DHS funding stalemate and a partial government shutdown.
Trump’s pick Markwayne Mullin faced a combative Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing, with Rand Paul pressing him on anger, past remarks, and trust for ICE and border agents, while lawmakers questioned his classified travel and spending; Mullin apologized for some comments about a protester but argued for a revised approach to DHS leadership, leaving his confirmation momentum uncertain and prompting a follow-up SCIF discussion.
Senate Homeland Security Committee Chair Rand Paul pressed Markwayne Mullin during Mullin’s confirmation hearing for Homeland Security secretary, confronting past comments including Mullin’s “freaking snake” dig at Paul and his praise of a historic caning; Mullin defended his bluntness and refused to apologize, while Paul signaled the hearing could be slowed by the exchange though leaders expect the nomination to proceed.
At Markwayne Mullin’s DHS secretary confirmation hearing, Republicans pressed for funding the department amid the shutdown while Democrats urged funding for TSA, FEMA and the Coast Guard and pushed reforms; Rand Paul challenged Mullin’s rhetoric on violence and leadership, Mullin defended his record and pledged to follow the law and unite DHS, as lawmakers debated border policy and oversight.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin’s bid to lead the Department of Homeland Security faces scrutiny after he reportedly called Sen. Rand Paul a “freaking snake” in reference to Paul’s past assault incident. Paul, who chairs the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, is set to oversee Mullin’s confirmation hearings, which are scheduled for March 18, as Mullin pursues the cabinet post after Trump fired Kristi Noem.