Confirmation Hearing: Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) Testifies to be DHS Secretary

This transcript covers the Senate Homeland Security Committee confirmation hearing held on March 18, 2026, for Senator Markwayne Mullin's nomination as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The hearing involved extensive questioning on DHS funding, agency operations, and policy reforms, particularly focusing on immigration enforcement, ICE practices, and the impact of the ongoing partial government shutdown on DHS components such as TSA, FEMA, Coast Guard, and cybersecurity agencies. Senators debated the political impasse over funding and ICE reforms, with Republicans emphasizing the need to fund the entire department and Democrats pushing for ICE policy changes. Mullin committed to restoring agency morale, cooperating with congressional oversight, and addressing operational challenges including disaster response and cybersecurity staffing. The hearing also addressed concerns about transparency regarding Mullin's classified activities and his approach to law enforcement accountability. A classified briefing was agreed upon to clarify outstanding issues before a scheduled committee vote on his nomination.