Live updates: Senators clash with Trump’s homeland security pick Markwayne Mullin; Gabbard, top intel officials testify on threats
Live updates: Senators clash with Trump’s homeland security pick Markwayne Mullin; Gabbard, top intel officials testify on threats
Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Rand Paul faced off with Markwayne Mullin during today’s confirmation hearing, disputing his remarks about the Kentucky senator. Meanwhile, Philadelphia International Airport announced the temporary shutdown of two additional TSA security checkpoints, attributed to ongoing staffing challenges. This marks the most recent major U.S. airport to reduce checkpoint operations, as TSA workers have increasingly skipped duty due to unpaid leave from the partial government shutdown.
Paul’s Opposition to Mullin’s Nomination
Paul told reporters he would not support Mullin’s nomination to head the Department of Homeland Security. “We’re in the midst of a crisis that demands strong leadership. A person who engages in brawls, refuses to apologize for attacking me, and praises the assault, wouldn’t be fit to lead ICE or border control,” he said. Despite his reservations, Paul insisted he will proceed with Mullin’s confirmation vote tomorrow, contingent on a classified hearing progressing as planned. The secure session in the Capitol involves Mullin and Homeland Security Committee members, focusing on overseas trips he claims to have taken. “This will also be a swift decision point for Homeland Security, even with my concerns,” he added. Paul asserted he will be the lone Republican opposing Mullin’s confirmation, though Mullin has not yet responded to the criticism.
“We’re in the midst of a crisis where there needs to be more direction from the top. And a guy who brawls, a guy who can’t even say he’s sorry, you know, wishing violence on me and really applauding the attack that happened on me, says that I don’t know how he could, from my point of view, be a leader of ICE or border control.”
Democrats Seek Public Hearings on Iran Strategy
As the Iran conflict enters its third week, Democrats have abandoned classified briefings from administration officials, demanding transparency. They aim to hold public hearings to examine Trump’s plans for military involvement in Iran, securing nuclear material, and resolving the Middle East war. House Democrats also introduced a discharge petition today to push for a vote on funding portions of the Department of Homeland Security beyond ICE and CBP. Such petitions require 218 signatures to bypass Republican leadership and bring bills to the floor. With 214 Democrats in the House, the measure needs four GOP votes to succeed. “Republicans have forced TSA agents into unpaid labor, disrupted millions of travelers, and caused airport chaos instead of addressing ICE’s management,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., during a press event on the funding dispute.
“Republicans have decided to force TSA agents to work without pay, inconvenience millions of Americans across the country and create chaos at airports rather than get ICE under control.”
Reform Demands and Funding Disputes
Democrats have insisted on overhauling immigration enforcement before approving broader DHS funding. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the Appropriations Committee’s lead Democrat, blamed the GOP for the shutdown, stating, “It persists because Republicans won’t pass any funding bill unless ICE, a lawless and reckless agency, receives an extra $28 billion on top of the $140 billion already allocated in the one big, beautiful bill.”
Vice President Vance’s Iran and Gas Price Comments
Vice President JD Vance, speaking in Auburn Hills, Michigan, claimed Trump is “not interested in entering long-term conflicts in the Iran war like those seen before.” At an engineering facility, he emphasized his understanding of