At a moment when America faces a heightened threat environment and challenges at our southern border leftover from Joe Biden’s failed presidency, the United States Senate has a clear responsibility: confirm Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R., Okla.) as the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). I was honored to receive Senator Mullin’s endorsement in my campaign for U.S. Senate, and I am proud to offer him my full support to lead our nation’s homeland security.
For over a month, the Department of Homeland Security has been paralyzed by Chuck Schumer’s shutdown. More than 260,000 DHS employees — Border Patrol agents, TSA officers, Coast Guardsmen, Secret Service personnel, and ICE officers — have continued reporting for duty without pay. That is unacceptable. These men and women are still showing up every day to protect the American people. They deserve leadership, and they deserve it now.
Senator Mullin has been a champion for strong border security and the rule of law. In Congress, he has supported construction of the border wall, fought alongside me and President Donald Trump to deport criminal illegals, and delivered resources to give Border Patrol and ICE agents the tools they need to do their jobs. He has also supported holding sanctuary jurisdictions accountable while advancing an enforcement-first approach to restoring order at the border.
At his confirmation hearing, Mullin laid out a clear and common sense vision for DHS: protect the homeland, enforce the law, and ensure America’s law enforcement, intelligence, and emergency response agencies are operating at the highest level. He made clear that, if confirmed, he will not “pick and choose which laws to enforce” — a direct rejection of the selective enforcement policies that have weakened our border and undermined public confidence for four years under Joe Biden’s failed presidency.
Senator Mullin understands the full scope of DHS’s mission. From counterterrorism and cybersecurity to disaster response and border enforcement, DHS plays a central role in protecting American communities. I’ve seen Markwayne fight for Oklahoma communities when they’ve had disasters hit their state, and I know he will do the same for Kentucky when those tragedies impact our Commonwealth.
Without a confirmed Secretary, DHS cannot operate at full strength. Strategic decisions are delayed. Accountability is weakened. And the men and women on the front lines are left without the leadership they deserve at a time when the stakes could not be higher.
We are also living during a time of enhanced threats on the homeland. President Trump’s highly successful Operation Epic Fury has decimated the Iranian terrorist regime, but it also increases the likelihood of terrorist attacks on the homeland, some of which we’ve already seen in Austin, Texas and in Norfolk, Virginia, in recent weeks.
The bottom line is that Markwayne Mullin has the experience, toughness, and clarity of mission to lead DHS in this critical moment. He understands that protecting the American people requires both strength and discipline, and he has demonstrated both throughout his career.
The Senate should not delay any longer.
This is not the time for political games. It is time to fund DHS, support its workforce, and confirm a Secretary who is ready on day one to secure the border, enforce the law, and defend the homeland.
The American people are counting on it.
The Senate should confirm Markwayne Mullin without delay.
Rep. Andy Barr is the leading Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Kentucky and is endorsed by Sen. Markwayne Mullin.
