Mullin moves closer to dhs leadership amid 37-day shutdown

In a rare Sunday session, the U.S. Senate took a major step toward filling the vacancy at the top of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In a 54–37 procedural vote on March 22, 2026, lawmakers moved to limit debate on the nomination of Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), clearing the path for a final confirmation vote expected as early as this evening. If confirmed, Mullin will inherit an agency in the midst of a historic crisis, as the DHS enters its 37th day of a partial government shutdown.