[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 54 (Monday, March 23, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S1531]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                     Nomination of Markwayne Mullin

  Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, in just a little over a year since taking 
office, the Trump administration and the Department of Homeland 
Security have completely broken trust with the American people. In the 
last year, President Trump has made sweeping cuts to programs and 
personnel at the Department, undermining key missions from 
counterterrorism and cyber security protections to assistance following 
national disasters.
  These actions are putting the safety and the security of Americans at 
risk at a time when many of the threats the Department was created to 
address--like terrorism and cyber attacks--are on the rise because of 
the President's war in Iran. These cuts to critical national security 
missions have all been at the expense of the Trump administration's 
singular focus on indiscriminate immigration enforcement that has led 
to serious disruptions in communities all across our country.
  It was only 2 months ago when the country watched in horror as two 
U.S. citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, were killed by Homeland 
Security law enforcement officers. We saw with our own eyes how 
officers have routinely deployed tear gas and pepper spray against 
Americans who were simply exercising their First Amendment rights.
  Secretary Noem's leadership as the Department head has been a 
disaster, and Americans want to see a course correction, but I am not 
convinced that one change in leadership is enough to right the ship.
  President Trump and advisers like Stephen Miller are continuing to 
drive so much of the chaos at the Department of Homeland Security.
  When the President nominated Senator Mullin to lead the Department, I 
came into the process with an open mind. However, I do not believe that 
he is the right person for the job. We need a Secretary who has a clear 
understanding of the Department's many different missions and a keen 
awareness of the challenges that the Department faces. We need a 
Secretary who is a steady leader, who won't rush to judgment without 
having all the facts, and who won't add fuel to the fire when there is 
a crisis. At a time when political violence is rising, we need a 
Secretary who will condemn violence, not encourage it. And we need a 
Secretary who can be trusted to be transparent and open with 
information to both Congress and the American people, especially--
especially--when an emergency strikes.
  Unfortunately, I have not seen the nominee exhibit these desperately 
needed characteristics in his confirmation process, and I urge 
President Trump to reassess his administration's prior record and 
nominate someone who will help return the Department's focus to all of 
its critical national security missions. We need someone who will be 
more than just another rubberstamp. We need someone who will be 
thoughtful, deliberate, and work to restore the trust in the 
Department.
  Therefore, I will be voting no, and I urge all my colleagues to do 
the same.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  (Mrs. HYDE-SMITH assumed the Chair.)
  Ms. ROSEN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Husted). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.
  The Senator from Nevada.