Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) questioned whether Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) was the right person to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after the nominee approved of a violent assault against the Kentucky Republican.
During a Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing on Wednesday, Paul recalled that a neighbor assaulted him, causing six of his ribs to be broken and needing a part of his lung to be removed.
“Over the year of recovery, I began to cough up blood. Complications led to an infection in the space between my lung and chest wall,” Paul said. “Recently, Senator Mullen, if you have time to listen, you were confronted by constituents that were angry because you voted against my amendment to stop all funding for refugee welfare programs.”
“You told the media that I was a freaking snake and that you completely understood why I had been assaulted,” he continued. “I just wonder if someone who applauds violence against their political opponents is the right person to lead an agency that has struggled to accept limits to the proper use of force.”
Paul went on to say that Mullin had lied when he said that he had confronted him to his face.
“You have never had the courage to look me in the eye and tell me that the assault was justified,” the senator insisted. “So today you’ll have your chance. Today, I’ll give you that chance to clear the record. Tell it to my face.”
Mullin responded during his opening remarks.
“I have to address the remarks that the chairman made, calling me a liar,” he said. “We actually did have this conversation because of remarks that I’ve made. You were in a room. I simply addressed that I said I could understand because of the behavior you were having, that I could understand why the neighbor did what he did.”
“The truth is, I have a job to do,” he added. “So I can set it aside if you’re willing to set it aside.”
“The record should show, and I think will show, a lack of contrition, no apology, and no regrets,” Paul replied. “For your support, you completely understand the violence that was perpetrated on me. You’re unrepentant.”
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