President Donald Trump made a strong choice in selecting Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R., Okla.) to serve as Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secretary. The Senate should move quickly to confirm him.
Mullin has earned enormous respect in the Republican conference, and for good reason. He is hardworking, direct, and deeply committed to protecting the country. Just as important, he is an exceptionally effective communicator who can explain complicated issues clearly and rally support for action.
As former Senate leadership staff, we have seen his effectiveness firsthand. Mullin is the kind of senator colleagues trust. When he speaks in conference meetings or on the floor, people listen. He brings energy, clarity, and a practical focus on results. He also has the reputation for hiring an extremely smart and effective team.
That credibility will matter enormously at DHS. The job requires someone who can manage a large and complex agency while also communicating clearly with Congress and the American people about the threats facing the country.
Mullin also brings real world experience that is rare in Washington, D.C. Before coming to Congress he built a successful company from the ground up. He understands what it means to run an operation, meet payroll, and solve problems quickly. That background gives him a practical mindset that DHS will benefit from.
He is also respected across the aisle. Even Democrats who disagree with him politically recognize that he approaches issues seriously and speaks plainly. That ability to communicate with different audiences will help the department do its job effectively.
Trump selected a leader who understands security, commands respect in the Senate, and knows how to get things done.
The Senate should confirm Markwayne Mullin without delay and give him the chance to get to work protecting the American people.
