By Ben Morgan and FOX23.com News Staff
OKLAHOMA CITY — The United States Senate confirmed Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin as Secretary of Homeland Security.
Following a tense hearing, the Senate voted 54-45 to confirm Mullin. Mullin was nominated to be the new DHS Secretary following the firing of Kristi Noem earlier this month.
Several state and local lawmakers shared mixed reactions following the confirmation hearing.
Senate confirms Markwayne Mullin to lead Homeland Security as TSA standoff deepens
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt posted the following statement to his social media:
“Congratulations to Secretary Markwayne Mullin on his confirmation by the U.S. Senate to lead the Department of Homeland Security. As an Oklahoman, he has been a steadfast fighter for our state and a strong voice for securing our nation.
“I have every confidence he will bring Oklahoma common sense and a deep commitment to law and order to President Trump’s cabinet and to DHS.
“Oklahoma is well represented with Secretary Mullin at the Department of Homeland Security keeping our state and our country safe.”
House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson (D-OKC) shared the following statement:
“My hope for Secretary Mullin is that he does better than his predecessor and speaks to people and communities who are and have been traumatized by ICE,” said Leader Munson. “It is imperative we work to ensure human beings are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. I hope he can have real conversations with those affected and work to make necessary changes that prevent folks from living in fear.
“We also need serious consideration and solutions regarding the funding of FEMA, especially as Oklahoma faces record levels of tornadoes and significant wildfires. I anticipate he is willing to work alongside statewide officials to help find solutions that keep Oklahomans safe.
“Now, more than ever, we need a Secretary who puts Americans before the personal and political interests of the President. I know it’s a tall order, but it’s one worth demanding in these times.”
Oklahoma Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) shared a statement congratulating Secretary Mullin on his confirmation:
“Today is a proud day for Oklahoma,” Pro Tem Paxton said. “Markwayne Mullin has long been a strong voice for our state and our nation, and his confirmation as Secretary of Homeland Security is a testament to his leadership, work ethic and commitment to public service. As an Oklahoma native, a successful businessman and a proven conservative leader, he understands the importance of protecting our communities while ensuring government works effectively for the people it serves.
“The Department of Homeland Security plays a critical role in safeguarding our nation, and I am confident Secretary Mullin will bring a strong, steady hand to this position during an important time for our country. His experience and leadership will be invaluable as he works to secure our borders, support law enforcement and protect American families.
“On behalf of the Oklahoma Senate, I congratulate Secretary Mullin on this historic achievement. We are proud to see one of our own step into such an important national role, and we look forward to his continued service to our state and nation.”
Senator James Lankford also congratulated Secretary Mullin, citing his professional journey from business owner to senator:
“Markwayne Mullin grew up in Westville, OK, built a business from the ground up, and has spent his life stepping up when it matters most. He knows how to lead and how to get results. He’ll bring that same focus to DHS he had in his over decade of service to Oklahomans in Congress to keep Americans safe. I will be praying for now Secretary Mullin and his family as he makes this transition to lead in this new role.”
