US Senate panel advances nomination of Trump's pick for next Homeland Security chief

WASHINGTON

The Senate Homeland Security Committee on Thursday advanced he nomination of President Donald Trump's pick, Sen. Markwayne Mullin, to succeed Kristi Noem as the next Homeland Security Secretary (DHS).

The committee voted was 8-7. Voting came a day after Mullin's testimony before the committee, where Republicans hold a 8-7 majority.

Republican Sen. Rand Paul, who chairs the committee, voted against Mullin.

Democratic Sen. John Fetterman voted yes.

"I truly approached the confirmation of my colleague and friend, Senator Mullin, with an open-mind," Fetterman said.

A Senate floor vote for confirmation is expected next week.

In early March, Trump tapped Mullin to replace Noem, who was facing internal scrutiny following the killings of Americans Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good in the state of Minnesota in January by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

Democrats had been urging Trump to fire Noem and also signed on to an impeachment resolution against her.