The entrance to the office of U.S. Sen. John Fetterman in Pennsylvania. Photo: Christina Lengyel / The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman was the lone Democrat on the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs who voted to advance the nomination of Republican Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin to lead the Department of Homeland Security, DHS, on Thursday morning.

“I truly approached the confirmation of my colleague and friend, Senator Mullin, with an open-mind,” Fetterman said in a statement following the vote. “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,” he added.