Rand Paul Lays Into Markwayne Mullin Over Alleged Anger Issues During Fiery Opening Statement
Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul confronted Markwayne Mullin, the nominee to be the next secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), about his alleged anger issues during a Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday.
Mullin said Feb. 14 that he understood why Paul’s neighbor attacked him in November 2017, resulting in six broken ribs and several bouts of pneumonia. During his opening statement before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Paul suggested that someone who celebrates violence against his political opponents is not qualified to serve as DHS secretary.
“I was shocked that you justified and celebrate this violent attack,” Paul said. “This has caused so much pain to me and my family. I just wonder if someone who applauds violence against their political opponents is the right person leading an agency that struggled to accept limitations the proper use of force. You could say you were angry and upset to be confronted with your voters. But Senator Mullen, your constituents are rightly angry with you.
Paul also disputed Mullin’s claim that he directly told Paul he deserved to be attacked. (RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Markwayne Mullin, Trump’s Pick to Replace Kristi Noem at DHS)
“You continued by bragging that you had already told me, in front, that you understood perfectly and approved the assault. Well, that’s a lie,” Paul continued.You have a chance today. Either you continue to lie or you can correct the record. You never had the courage to look me in the eyes and tell me the attack was justified. So today you will have your chance.
WATCH:
Mullin made the remarks at the McGrath Breakfast Group in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he accused Paul of being a “fucking snake” who frequently opposes the Republican Party on crucial votes, according to an article by David Arnett on Substack. Mullin refused to apologize for his remarks during the hearing and does not appear to care about receiving Paul’s confirmation vote, according to Punchbowl News founder Jake Sherman.
If Paul votes against Mullin, then at least one Democrat would have to vote for Mullin for him to be confirmed. Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman said Friday he would vote to confirm Mullin.
Paul’s neighbor, René Boucher, ran onto Paul’s lawn in Kentucky and attacked him while the senator was doing yard work. After suffering broken ribs, Paul said part of his lung was surgically removed in August 2019 following the attack.
Trump nominated Mullin on March 5 to replace Kristi Noem as DHS secretary after reportedly being unhappy with her responses during two congressional hearings.
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