House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino said on Mar. 23 that he welcomes the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Senator Markwayne Mullin to serve as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
Garbarino, a Republican from New York, said his experience working with Mullin in the House gives him confidence in Mullin’s ability to lead the department. He stated, “I applaud the Senate’s swift confirmation of Senator Mullin to serve as Department of Homeland Security Secretary. As a former House colleague of his, I am confident he will do an excellent job charting a renewed path forward for the department.”
Garbarino emphasized that homeland security is particularly important to him and his district, referencing both local and national priorities. “As a lifelong New Yorker, the mission of DHS is personal for me and my district,” he said. He added that he looks forward to collaborating with Secretary Mullin "to ensure DHS components have the tools, resources, and oversight needed to accomplish the department’s core mission, preserve the essential DHS grant programs that protect Long Islanders and the entire nation, continue President Trump’s historic success at securing our borders, and keep Americans safe.”
Addressing current challenges facing homeland security funding, Garbarino urged bipartisan cooperation in Congress: “Further, as America faces a resurgence in threats while preparing to host major international events in the coming months, including the World Cup, I urge my Democrat colleagues to end their miscalculated and reckless shutdown of the department, which is putting American lives and livelihoods at stake.” He also noted ongoing efforts by House Republicans: “Voting to fully fund DHS, as House Republicans have done numerous times this year, is essential to meeting today’s threat landscape and setting Secretary Mullin up for success on behalf of the American people.”
The statement reflects ongoing debates over funding for federal agencies responsible for national security amid preparations for large-scale international events.
