Senator Mark Wayne Mullin (Republican-Oklahoma), nominated by President Donald Trump as his candidate for Secretary of Homeland Security, told senators on Wednesday (18th) that federal agents would require a warrant before entering homes or businesses.

This is an attempt to establish himself as a more stable figure within the politically charged Department of Homeland Security and marks the first step in a policy break from former Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, according to Newsmax.

Mullin stated at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee that agents would not enter homes or businesses without a warrant, unless someone ran inside, in which case they would not enter either.

He also said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) should be "restructured" rather than abolished, and he would repeal Governor Nielsen's policy of requiring the governor's personal approval for expenditures over $100,000, criticizing such an approach as excessive interference.

Mullin pledged that Department of Homeland Security agents would not go to polling places to intimidate voters, and would only be deployed in coordination with local law enforcement if there were specific threats.

The hearing became heated when Committee Chairman Rand Paul (Republican-Kentucky) pressed Mullin on past statements, particularly his comment in 2017 that he understood why his neighbor attacked Paul, and his description of Paul as a "damned snake."

Mullin did not apologize, saying, "I think everyone in this room knows that I am blunt. I just mentioned that. I just said that considering your actions, it is understandable why your neighbor took that action."

Instead, Mullin told Senator Paul, "You seem more interested in fighting Republicans than working with us. You spent millions of dollars in an anti-Mullin campaign because we weren't on good terms. But that doesn't interfere with me doing my job at all."

The remarks came after Senator Paul called Mullin a "liar" in his opening statement at the Senate confirmation hearing.

Mullin asked Paul to give him a chance to earn respect.

Democratic senators focused their questions on Mullin's demeanor and his remarks following the murder of Alex Nieto in Minneapolis. Mullin said he regretted being too hasty in his resignation and describing Nieto as "crazy," adding that such a reaction would not occur if he were Secretary.

President Trump transferred Governor Nielsen to another department earlier this month and submitted Mullin's nomination to the Senate on March 9.

Republicans hold a 8-7 majority on the committee, which is scheduled to vote on Thursday on whether to send the nomination to the full Senate.

Reuters reported that Senator John Fetterman (Democrat-Pennsylvania) stated he would support Mullin, but the Washington Post reported in its live coverage that Fetterman was simply keeping all options open.

If Fetterman sides with Mullin, the nominee's chances of confirmation would increase, even if Paul votes against him.

Rep. Sung Ku Hong, Chief Editor of NNP USA / Special Correspondent NNP info@newsandpost.com