The Senate on Wednesday will begin its consideration of Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., to lead the Department of Homeland Security.
President Donald Trump tapped Mullin, a close congressional ally of the president, to lead the agency earlier this month after firing Kristi Noem, who was mired in controversy.
Mullin is a hardliner who has endorsed the Trump administration's immigration policies but is generally well-liked by his Senate peers. He will likely get tough questions from Democrats on the panel, who have been sharply critical of Trump's mass deportation policies and liberal deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal immigration agents.
Mullin has a strained relationship with Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who chairs the committee. Earlier this year, Mullin called Paul, who has an independent streak and often does not vote with the Republican caucus, a "freaking snake." Paul has repeatedly declined to comment on Mullin leading up to the confirmation hearing.
