Sunday Vote: Senate Nudges Mullin Closer to DHS Post

Susie Moore, RedState

On Sunday afternoon, the Senate voted to invoke cloture on the nomination of Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) to serve as Secretary of Homeland Security. This procedural vote to cut off debate on the matter follows a confirmation hearing and committee vote that were at times dramatic, and paves the way for a final confirmation vote either Monday evening or Tuesday.

Senate now taking procedural vote to break filibuster on Mullin/DHS nomination. Needs a simple majority. Confirmation likely tomorrow night or Tuesday
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) March 22, 2026

Only a simple majority was needed here, and the motion passed 54-37 at roughly 1:45 PM Eastern.

BREAKING: The US Senate just ADVANCED President Trump's nomination of Markwayne Mullin for DHS Secretary, 54-37

John Fetterman (D-PA) joined Republicans

Huge win! Mullin WILL be confirmed, and DHS will be in great hands pic.twitter.com/Cm2PboXgbC
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 22, 2026

As noted in the above tweet, Democrat Senators John Fetterman (PA) and Martin Heinrich (NM) crossed over and joined Republicans on the vote. With cloture invoked, this starts the 30-hour debate clock in motion (unless the time is yielded back). Despite the hearing drama last week, it appears likely the final confirmation vote for Mullin will pass, and he will soon be sworn in as the next DHS Secretary.

Of course, his soon-to-be agency still isn’t funded at the moment. The battle over DHS funding proceeds apace. RedState will keep you posted on that as well.

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