Markwayne Mullin Sworn In as DHS Secretary Amid Shutdown

Former Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma was sworn in this week as the new secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, stepping into a role strained by a partial government shutdown that has disrupted operations at major U.S. airports and left most of the agency's workforce without pay since February 14.

The Senate confirmed Mullin on a 54-45 vote, positioning him as a more measured leader compared to his predecessor, Kristi Noem, whom President Donald Trump dismissed earlier this month. The shutdown, now in its seventh week, stems from congressional deadlock over funding tied to immigration enforcement policies. Democrats have blocked bills, citing concerns that any DHS funding would support aggressive tactics, including recent incidents where agents from the department killed three U.S. citizens and participated in crackdowns in cities like Minneapolis. Republicans proposed a compromise to fund agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration, Coast Guard and Federal Emergency Management Agency while separating Immigration and Customs Enforcement funding to pair it with military spending increases and voter identification measures. Democrats rejected the...