Fetterman explains why he crossed party lines to support Mullin for DHS chief | CNN Politics

Democratic Sen. John Fetterman cast the deciding vote Thursday to advance Markwayne Mullin’s nomination to serve as US Department of Homeland Security secretary, crossing party lines to send President Donald Trump’s nominee to the full Senate for consideration. He explained in a post on X his decision to join Republicans on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in backing the Oklahoma Republican senator to replace outgoing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. “In January, I called on the president to fire Noem—and he did. I truly approached the confirmation of my colleague and friend, Senator Mullin, with an open-mind,” Fetterman wrote. “We need a leader at DHS. We must reopen DHS. My AYE is rooted in a strong committed, constructive working relationship with Senator Mullin for our nation’s security,” he continued. Mullin grilled by Senate colleagues over temperament, stolen valor and ICE in tense DHS confirmation hearing If confirmed, Mullin will lead a department of more than 260,000 employees that oversees critical agencies including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Transportation Security Administration and the Coast Guard. Trump announce