Oklahoma AG Leads 18 States Urging DHS Secretary Confirmation

AG: Oklahoma Newsroom

Published March 17th, 2026

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, joined by 17 other state AGs, sent a letter urging Congress to confirm U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin as the Secretary of Homeland Security. The letter highlights national security concerns and Mullin's qualifications for the role.

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What changed

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, leading a coalition of 18 state attorneys general, has formally urged Congress to expedite the confirmation of U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin as the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The letter, sent to Senate leadership, emphasizes escalating national security threats and argues that the continued vacancy in the DHS leadership position leaves the nation vulnerable to exploitation by adversaries. The coalition cites Mullin's legislative experience, business background, and commitment to border security as key qualifications for managing the complex agency.

This action represents a coordinated effort by state chief legal officers to influence federal executive appointments, particularly concerning national security and border policy. While this notice itself does not impose new regulatory requirements or deadlines on regulated entities, it signals a strong stance from multiple states on the importance of a fully functional DHS. Compliance officers in sectors impacted by DHS regulations, such as immigration, customs, and national security, should be aware of this advocacy and its potential implications for future policy directions and enforcement priorities.

Source document (simplified)

Drummond leads push for immediate confirmation of Mullin as DHS Secretary

Tweet PRINT Email Tuesday, March 17, 2026 OKLAHOMA CITY (March 17, 2026) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond is leading a coalition of 18 state attorneys general in urging Congress to swiftly confirm U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin as the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The coalition sent a letter yesterday to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer calling for immediate action as national security threats continue to escalate.

“Sen. Mullin has worked alongside us on the front lines of our border security battles, and he has the legislative experience, the executive backbone and the personal commitment to lead DHS effectively from day one,” said Drummond. “Every day this position remains vacant is a day our adversaries can exploit. The Senate must act now.”

The letter outlines Sen. Mullin’s extensive qualifications for the role including his years of congressional experience, his service on the Senate Armed Services and Appropriations Committees, his background as a successful business executive and his identity as a proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation. The attorneys general assert that Sen. Mullin has the type of real-world executive experience that is essential to managing one of the federal government’s largest and most complex agencies.

“The threat is real, it is multi-faceted, and it is here, harming Americans every day. The next Secretary of Homeland Security must be prepared to confront all of these dangers simultaneously, and to do so from the moment of confirmation. Senator Mullin is ready,” the coalition wrote.

In addition to Drummond, the attorneys general of the following states also signed the letter to Congress: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas and West Virginia.

Read the Letter Last Modified on Mar 17, 2026