U.S. Senate Elections

Sen. Rand Paul, as chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, plans to hold Markwayne Mullin’s DHS confirmation hearing around March 18 after the White House formally transmitted the nomination, despite Mullin’s February remark calling Paul “a freaking snake.” Mullin has strong GOP backing and some bipartisan praise, but Democrats and even a few Republicans say the fight will focus on DHS policy and reforms — from ICE/CBP practices and oversight to concerns about Stephen Miller’s influence — with leaders like Chuck Schumer urging reforms before considering nominees.