1. United States
2. Md.
3. Letter

Vote no on Markwayne Mullin's nomination for Homeland Security Secretary when it reaches the Senate floor next week. His confirmation hearing revealed exactly why he's unfit to lead an agency responsible for the proper use of force. Mullin previously called Sen. Rand Paul a "freaking snake" and said he understood why Paul's neighbor attacked him in an assault that left Paul with multiple broken ribs requiring surgery. When Paul questioned whether someone who applauds violence against political opponents should lead DHS, Mullin refused to apologize or walk back his comments. This isn't about partisan politics. Even Republican committee chairman Rand Paul voted against advancing this nomination. The hearing was described as unusually combative and contentious, with Mullin engaging in heated exchanges and failing to disclose what he called a "classified" congressional trip. This is the person who would oversee federal agents and set the tone for an agency that Paul noted "has struggled to accept limits to the proper use of force." DHS needs steady, principled leadership, not someone who celebrates political violence. Reject this nomination.