Senate Invokes Cloture on Markwayne Mullin's DHS Secretary Nomination (54-37), Continues Debate on SAVE America Act and DHS Funding Amidst Shutdown
The Senate convened for a Sunday session, primarily focused on advancing the nomination of Senator Markwayne Mullin to be Secretary of Homeland Security, with a cloture motion successfully invoked. Concurrently, debate continued on the SAVE America Act, which proposes significant changes to election administration, and the ongoing motion to proceed to the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026, amidst a partial government shutdown. The chamber also passed several bipartisan measures by unanimous consent, including acts addressing illegal fishing, sea turtle rescue, wastewater infrastructure, and foreign direct investment.
This chamber-day highlights the continued legislative gridlock surrounding critical issues of government funding and election integrity, particularly as the Department of Homeland Security remains partially shut down. The successful cloture vote on the DHS Secretary nominee signals a potential path forward for leadership at the agency, while the sustained debate on election reform underscores deep partisan divisions. The passage of several other bills by unanimous consent demonstrates areas of bipartisan agreement on environmental protection and economic policy.
Nomination of Markwayne Mullin to be Secretary of Homeland Security
Executive Calendar No. 696Question before the chamber
Whether to invoke cloture on the nomination of Markwayne Mullin, of Oklahoma, to be Secretary of Homeland Security.
The case for
Senator Sullivan argued that Senator Mullin is a smart, thoughtful leader with a reputation for working across the aisle, both within the Senate and with the House and White House. He emphasized that Mullin's skill set and experience make him exactly the kind of leader needed at Homeland Security at this moment, deserving of strong bipartisan support for the good of the Senate, the Department, and the country.
The case against
No specific opposition case was aired during the cloture discussion in the provided text, but the vote tally indicates significant opposition to advancing the nomination.
Disposition
Cloture motion agreed to · recorded vote
Cloture was invoked on the nomination, limiting further debate.
Yeas 54, Nays 37
Who is affected
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees: The confirmation of a new Secretary would provide stable leadership to the agency, particularly critical during an ongoing government shutdown affecting their pay and operations.
- American public: The leadership of DHS impacts national security, border protection, and critical services like airport security (TSA).
SAFEGUARD AMERICAN VOTER ELIGIBILITY ACT (SAVE America Act)
S. 1383 (House message to accompany)Question before the chamber
Resumption of consideration of the House message with respect to S. 1383, with pending amendments related to election integrity.
The case for
Proponents, including Senators Thune, Lee, McCormick, and Hoeven, argued that the SAVE America Act implements commonsense policies to secure American elections, specifically requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote and photo ID to cast a ballot. They highlighted that polls show vast public support for these measures, that proof of citizenship is required for other government benefits and employment, and that non-citizen voting is a real problem, citing recent indictments. They countered claims of voter suppression by explaining provisions for attestation via affidavit and the lack of evidence that voter ID laws suppress turnout.
The case against
Senator Schumer characterized the SAVE America Act as a 'radical culture-war amendment' and indicated that Democrats have historically opposed such measures, though specific arguments against the bill's provisions were not detailed in the provided text for this session. He mentioned that Democrats now claim to support voter ID but blocked a bill that would have required it, instead proposing a nationwide ban on voter ID for absentee ballots.
Disposition
Debate resumed · other
Consideration of the bill and pending amendments continued, with no final disposition during this session.
Amendments
- Thune motion to concur in the amendment of the House to the bill. (Mr. Thune) — Pending
- Thune motion to concur in the amendment of the House to the bill, with Thune (for Schmitt) amendment No. 4420 (to the House amendment to the bill), in the nature of a substitute. (Mr. Thune (for Mr. Schmitt)) — Pending
- Thune (for Tuberville-Blackburn) amendment No. 4421 (to amendment No. 4420), to protect women and girls in athletics. (Mr. Thune (for Mr. Tuberville-Blackburn)) — Pending
- Thune motion to refer the message of the House on the bill to the Committee on Rules and Administration, with instructions, Thune amendment No. 4422, to change the enactment date. (Mr. Thune) — Pending
- Thune amendment No. 4423 (to the instructions (amendment No. 4422), of a perfecting nature. (Mr. Thune) — Pending
- Thune amendment No. 4424 (to amendment No. 4423), of a perfecting nature. (Mr. Thune) — Pending
Who is affected
- American voters: The bill would change requirements for voter registration and ballot casting, potentially affecting access and perceived integrity of elections.
- State election officials: The bill would mandate new procedures for verifying citizenship and maintaining voter rolls, impacting state administrative burdens and compliance.
- Non-citizens residing in the U.S.: The bill explicitly aims to prevent non-citizens from voting in federal elections, reinforcing existing prohibitions.
Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026
H.R. 7147Question before the chamber
Motion to proceed to Calendar No. 311, H.R. 7147, a bill making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes.
The case for
Proponents, including Senators Thune, Scott, and Hoeven, emphasized the critical need to fund the Department of Homeland Security, especially given global terror risks and the ongoing shutdown. They highlighted the impact on TSA workers and other DHS employees who are working without pay. They noted that Republicans have offered reforms to ICE (body cams, training) and a clean continuing resolution, which Democrats have rejected, despite the CR reflecting funding levels previously supported by Democrats. They argued that the shutdown is unfair to federal workers and compromises national security.
The case against
Senator Schumer criticized Republicans for the ongoing shutdown, stating that they are 'doing nothing productive' and 'wasted Senate floor time.' He highlighted the plight of unpaid TSA workers and the chaos at airports. He accused the administration of impulsive actions, such as deploying untrained ICE agents to airports, which he predicted would worsen the situation. He also stated that Democrats find it 'very hard to come to some agreement' on ICE due to past events and that the shutdown isn't truly affecting ICE's funding due to prior forward funding. He suggested the shutdown is being used as leverage for a 'sensible discussion about a reasonable immigration plan,' implying amnesty.
Disposition
Motion to proceed resumed · other
Consideration of the motion to proceed to the DHS appropriations bill continued, with no final disposition during this session.
Who is affected
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees (including TSA, FEMA, Coast Guard, USCIS, CISA, ICE support staff): These employees are working without pay due to the partial government shutdown, affecting their financial stability and morale.
- American travelers: Longer security lines and potential disruptions at airports due to the shutdown and proposed deployment of ICE agents.
- American public: National security is impacted by unfunded DHS operations, and the debate over ICE operations raises concerns about civil liberties and law enforcement practices.
Cloture Invoked on Markwayne Mullin's Nomination for Secretary of Homeland Security
highThe Senate successfully invoked cloture on the nomination of Senator Markwayne Mullin to be Secretary of Homeland Security with a vote of 54 yeas to 37 nays. This procedural step limits further debate on the nomination, setting the stage for a final confirmation vote.
Debate Continues on SAVE America Act Amidst Election Integrity Concerns
highSenators continued debate on the SAVE America Act (S. 1383), which aims to strengthen election integrity by requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration and photo ID for casting ballots. Proponents argued these are commonsense measures supported by a majority of Americans, citing instances of non-citizen voting and the need to restore public trust in elections. Opponents, while not extensively detailed in the provided text for this specific session, have previously characterized such measures as voter suppression.
DHS Funding Remains Stalled as Shutdown Continues
highThe Senate resumed consideration of the motion to proceed to H.R. 7147, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026, but no final action was taken. The ongoing partial government shutdown, now in its 34th day, continues to affect DHS employees, including TSA workers, who are working without pay. Senators expressed frustration over the lack of resolution and the impact on federal workers and public services.
Bipartisan Legislation Passed by Unanimous Consent
mediumThe Senate passed four bills by unanimous consent: S. 688, the Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests Act of 2025; S. 843, the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2025; S. 1092, the Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety Act; and S. 2563, the Global Investment in American Jobs Act of 2025. These measures address issues ranging from combating illegal fishing and forced labor to supporting sea turtle rescue efforts, improving wastewater infrastructure, and enhancing U.S. competitiveness in attracting foreign investment.
Unanimous Consent Request to Halt Senator Pay During Shutdown Objected To
mediumA unanimous consent request to consider S. Res. 526, which would prevent Senators from receiving their salaries during a government shutdown until the shutdown ends, was objected to multiple times. Proponents argued for shared sacrifice with unpaid federal workers, while objections prevented its immediate consideration.