Sen. Markwayne Mullin faced his colleagues Wednesday in an often-heated confirmation hearing to lead the Department of Homeland Security, fielding questions about enforcing the administration’s immigration deportations, the ongoing shutdown and concerns about his previous travel.
The Oklahoma Republican was tapped by President Donald Trump earlier this month to replace outgoing Secretary Kristi Noem, who faced criticism from lawmakers for a DHS contract for advertisements and the speed of dispersing disaster funds.
“I’m not scared of a challenge. I am scared of failure, and so I will work hard each day,” Mullin said during his opening remarks before the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “My goal in six months is that we’re not in the lead story every single day.”
