JUST IN: Markwayne Mullin Clears Major Hurdle After Dem Crosses The Aisle, Votes To Advance Confirmation

Sen. Markwayne Mullin is one step closer to running the Department of Homeland Security after a razor-thin committee vote Thursday pushed his nomination toward the Senate floor.

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced Mullin in an 8-7 vote, with Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky breaking ranks as the lone Republican opposed. The nomination survived thanks to Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, who crossed the aisle to back Mullin.

The close vote followed a fireworks-filled confirmation hearing a day earlier, where Paul confronted Mullin over past remarks, including allegedly calling him a “freaking snake” and suggesting he understood why a neighbor assaulted Paul in 2017.

Paul questioned whether “someone who applauds violence against their political opponents is the right person to lead an agency that has struggled to accept limits to the proper use of force.”

Mullin brushed off the clash, telling Paul “we just don’t get along,” while firing back that the Kentucky senator spends more time sparring with Republicans than working with them. He insisted their feud would not interfere with his duties if confirmed.

Drama spilled over into the hours before Thursday’s vote, with uncertainty swirling around a classified overseas trip Mullin referenced. Paul signaled he might delay proceedings unless more details were shared.

WATCH: Sen. Mullin Holds Back Tears Telling Story About Trump Supporting His Son After Serious Injury

Mullin later agreed to brief senators in a secure setting about the trip, which he said took place during his time on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Afterward, Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma downplayed the issue, saying it involved a “non-disclosure dealing with a whistleblower.” He added that it was “mountain, molehill stuff.”

Despite the tensions, Mullin picked up praise from several lawmakers, including Fetterman, who said the Oklahoma Republican has shown “consistent kindness and professionalism.”

Still, every other Democrat voted no.

Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan, the panel’s top Democrat, accused Mullin of falling short during the vetting process, saying he has not been “forthright and transparent” and lacks “the experience or the temperament to lead this critical department.”

“The Department of Homeland Security needs a leader who can restore the trust that DHS has broken with the American people and with this committee,” Peters said. “At his confirmation hearing yesterday we saw that unfortunately, Sen. Mullin is not up to that challenge.”

WATCH: Sen. Mullin Holds Back Tears Telling Story About Trump Supporting His Son After Serious Injury

President Trump tapped Mullin earlier this month to replace DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, whose tenure collapsed after mounting criticism over immigration enforcement and spending decisions. Her standing took a hit in back-to-back congressional hearings where even Republicans raised concerns, including over the department’s ad spending.

Trump has touted Mullin as a “MAGA Warrior” who he said “truly gets along well with people, and knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Advance our America First Agenda.”

Mullin, 48, is a business owner and former MMA fighter who has served in the Senate since 2023 after a decade in the House. A full Senate vote on his nomination could come as soon as next week.

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