“Markwayne Mullin is ready to lead. He is ready to serve with seriousness and character. He will be a leader who makes our country safer.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) today spoke prior to voting to confirm Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) to be Secretary of Homeland Security.
Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.
Sen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared:
“The Senate will soon confirm Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma to be the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. The sooner he’s on the job, the safer, stronger, and more secure America will be.
“Markwayne is a servant leader in the truest sense.
“His hometown is Westville, Oklahoma. The population is only 1,300 people. He’s the youngest of seven children. When he was 20 years old, he stepped up to save his dad’s plumbing company. He turned it into one of the largest in the state.
“Markwayne is a father, a fighter, a Christian, and someone others can count on. He has served in the House and the Senate. I am fortunate to work closely with Markwayne on a day to day basis. He is a trusted member of our Whip team.
“Markwayne is tough. He is hardworking. He works with others to solve problems. You always know where you stand with Markwayne Mullin. On the Whip Team, he played a critical role in passing the largest investment in American security in 40 years. He has been consistent in his commitment to enforce our laws and strengthen our border.
“Once confirmed, he will bring the same focus, urgency, and consistency to lead the Department of Homeland Security. At his confirmation hearing, Markwayne laid out a clear vision. He said: ‘My goal is for people to understand we’re out there, we’re protecting them, and we’re working for them.’ That’s exactly what he should do – and will do.
“The Department of Homeland Security exists to protect the American people from danger. From counterterrorism to disaster relief to border security, the Department protects our communities from terrorists, illegal drugs, and cyberattacks. Markwayne understands the full weight of that critical mission.
“Markwayne also understands the importance of trust. He has made it clear he will be open, communicative, cooperative, and committed to working with others to get the job done right.
“Even Senate Democrats who might disagree with him politically acknowledge Markwayne’s stellar character. Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii said this month, ‘I like him personally.’ Senator Chris Coons of Delaware says Markwayne is ‘well liked.’ Senator Peter Welch of Vermont served with Senator Mullin here in the Senate as well as the House. He said of Markwayne, ‘He’s respected, he’s honest, and he’s competent.’ At the confirmation hearing, Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona said Markwayne is ‘upstanding’ and qualified. That kind of respect speaks to Markwayne’s character.
“As the Senate considers Markwayne’s nomination, we cannot ignore the situation facing the Department of Homeland Security. Right now, the Department of Homeland Security is shut down. Senate Democrats shut it down by withholding its funding. Senate Democrats have voted five times to block full funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
“Many employees are working without pay. Others have been furloughed.
Families are struggling to afford basic needs. TSA agents are quitting and calling in sick in rising numbers. As a result, wait times at major airports are rising as well.
“We’ve seen terrorist attacks in New York, Virginia, Michigan, and Texas. Pro-Iran cyber hackers successfully attacked a major medical company in Michigan. This situation is dangerous. The warning lights are flashing red. Democrats would rather pander to protect illegal immigrant criminals than pay to protect the American people.
“Markwayne Mullin is ready to lead. He is ready to serve with seriousness and character. He will be a leader who makes our country safer. He will secure our borders. He will fight terrorism. He will protect our cyber space. He will safeguard our communities. He will support the individuals who keep our country safe.
“Today, the Senate will confirm him. Then, the Senate must fully fund the Department of Homeland Security. The safety and security of the American people depend on it.”
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