Mullin’s DHS nomination advances to full Senate despite opposition from Republican Rand Paul

Markwayne Mullin has moved a step closer to becoming President Donald Trump’s next homeland security secretary. A  Senate committee on Thursday narrowly advanced the nomination of the Republican senator from Oklahoma. The 8-7 vote came after a contentious hearing Wednesday and sent the Cabinet nomination to the full Senate, which could act to confirm Mullin next week. That vote included a “no” from the Republican chairman, Rand Paul of Kentucky, and a “yes” from a Democrat, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania. The approval comes at a time when the parties are fighting bitterly over the policies of the Department of Homeland Security, leading to a funding lapse that is now in its 34th day.