A contentious exchange erupted during a congressional hearing when Democratic Rep. Rosa DeLauro and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin debated the handling of undocumented migrant children.
The argument began when DeLauro, 83, attempted to highlight the administration's child separation policy, stating that 3,900 children had been separated from their parents. Mullin interrupted her, claiming that "450,000 kids were lost under the Biden administration and you didn't say a word about it."
DeLauro responded forcefully, "Mr Secretary! Mr Secretary! Do not interrupt!" and wagged her finger at Mullin. He retorted, "Don't you point your finger at me." The exchange escalated with DeLauro stating, "I will point my finger at you!" Mullin then accused her of hypocrisy, urging her to be upset about the "450,000 kids that were lost."
DeLauro appealed to Committee Chair Mark Amodei, asking him to "put him in his place." Mullin quipped in response, "You should be put in your place."
Republican Committee Chair Mark Amodei intervened multiple times, attempting to restore order and allow DeLauro to complete her questioning. He informed Mullin that he would be given time for a closing statement later but that members on the floor had a limited time for their questions. Despite Amodei's efforts to control the hearing, Mullin continued to interrupt, leading Amodei to state, "We are going to have something resembling order here." He reiterated that the floor belonged to DeLauro and that interruptions were not permissible.
Mullin defended his actions, stating, "I will not let her sit there and lie and accuse me of something that’s ridiculous." Amodei emphasized the legislative branch's role in controlling its own hearings.
The White House, through spokesperson Steven Cheung, praised Mullin's conduct, describing DeLauro as a "Blue-haired Democrat freak widely gesticulating in a fit of rage" and asserting that Mullin "remains calm, cool, and collected as he shuts her down with the truth." DeLauro later responded to Cheung's comment on X, referencing his weight with the remark, "Widely is crazy coming from you."
Mullin has previously asserted that 450,000 minors went missing after crossing the southern border during the Biden administration. The Department of Homeland Security stated earlier this month that it had located 146,000 of those minors.