Democrats Outraged as Fetterman Votes to Advance Mullin Nomination
Democrats have erupted in fury over their party colleague John Fetterman's decision to support the nomination of Republican US Senator Markwayne Mullin as homeland security secretary. Fetterman, the senior US senator from Pennsylvania, cast the decisive committee vote on Thursday to advance Mullin's nomination to succeed Kristi Noem, prompting immediate calls for his resignation and accusations of abandoning his constituents.
Backlash and Resignation Demands
US House member Brendan Boyle, a Pennsylvania Democrat, declared that the vote demonstrated why Fetterman is Donald Trump's "favorite Democrat," adding, "He needs to go." Another Pennsylvania Democrat, US House member Pat Ryan, stated, "If you needed any more proof that Fetterman has completely abandoned his constituents, here it is. Pennsylvanians deserve a senator that actually fights for them."
At a town hall, US House member Chrissy Houlahan, also a Pennsylvania Democrat, suggested Fetterman is more difficult to work with than the state's junior Republican senator, Dave McCormick, saying she has more success collaborating across the aisle.
Fetterman's Defense and Rationale
On social media, Fetterman defended his vote, noting he had previously called for Trump to fire Noem after federal immigration agents under her authority fatally shot two US citizens in January. He wrote, "I truly approached the confirmation of my colleague and friend, Senator Mullin, with an open mind."
Fetterman explained his "aye" vote stemmed from a disagreement with Democratic colleagues who have refused to fund the Department of Homeland Security to leverage immigration reforms, leading to temporary agency shutdowns. He emphasized, "We need a leader at DHS. We must reopen DHS. My AYE is rooted in a strong, committed, constructive working relationship with Senator Mullin for our nation's security."
Committee Vote and Political Fallout
Fetterman was the sole Democrat to join seven Republicans on the Senate homeland security committee in advancing Mullin's nomination to the full chamber, where confirmation could occur next week. Six other Democrats voted against the advancement, citing concerns over allegations that Mullin encouraged political violence.
This incident is part of a broader pattern where Fetterman has broken with his party multiple times in recent months, including expressing staunch support for Israel. A Quinnipiac University poll from February reveals his low approval among Pennsylvania's registered Democratic voters at 22%, with 62% disapproving. Conversely, 73% of the state's Republican voters approve of him, with only 18% disapproving. Overall, Fetterman holds a 46% approval rating in Pennsylvania, with 40% disapproving and 14% undecided.
