Markwayne Mullin advanced to a full Senate confirmation vote to lead the Department of Homeland Security after a narrow 8-7 committee decision on Wednesday.Democratic Senator John Fetterman provided the crucial support for the Oklahoma Republican despite opposition from Chairman Rand Paul over past controversial remarks.Mullin, a member of the Cherokee Nation, would become the first Native American to lead the agency if confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate.The leadership transition follows the firing of
Kristi Noem while the agency faces a partial shutdown that has disrupted national travel and security operations.