Mullin Hearing Turns Contentious As Rand Paul Vows No Vote

Senate Homeland Security Chairman Rand Paul opened Wednesday's confirmation hearing by saying he will vote against President Donald Trump's DHS nominee, Sen. Markwayne Mullin.

The hearing came as the Department of Homeland Security remained partially shut down amid a funding standoff, leaving about 250,000 to 260,000 DHS employees working without pay, according to lawmakers.

Paul accused Mullin of condoning violence after the nominee called Paul a "freaking snake" and said he understood why Paul's neighbor assaulted him, and Mullin declined to apologize.

Mullin was grilled for nearly three hours about temperament, unexplained foreign travel and past statements, and committee leaders demanded a secure briefing about his classified 2021 trips.

If advanced by the committee, Mullin's nomination could reach the Senate floor as soon as next week, and Democratic Sen. John Fetterman said he is open to being the necessary Democratic vote.