WHAT HAPPENED: Former Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) was sworn in Tuesday as Homeland Security secretary, succeeding Kristi Noem. The final vote Monday night was 54-45. All Republicans voted for Mullin with the exception of Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY). Sens. John Fetterman (D-PA) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) were the only Democrats breaking with their party to support Mullin.
WHY IT MATTERS: The secretary leads the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which is responsible for guarding the nation against terrorism, cyberattacks, and other threats — both foreign and domestic. Alan Armstrong, an oil executive, was sworn in as a temporary senator appointed by Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt.
WHO IS ALAN ARMSTRONG? Armstrong, 63, was the Executive Chairman of Williams Companies, a natural gas company based out of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Williams handles roughly a third of the natural gas consumed in the U.S. through its pipeline infrastructure, according to the company. Prior to stepping into his current role at the company last July, Armstrong served as the CEO of Williams for nearly 15 years.
WHAT’S NEXT? Under Oklahoma law, Armstrong cannot run for the seat. The Oklahoma primary election will take place on June 16, and candidates must officially file to run during a three-day period from April 1-3. Republican Rep. Kevin Hern of Oklahoma has emerged as the leading candidate in the race. Hern represents Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District, which is centered in the northeastern part of the state and anchored by the Tulsa metropolitan area.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING: “I grew up on an Air Force base, worked my way through school, built businesses, and served Oklahoma in Congress. Now I’m ready to fight for Oklahoma in the Senate,” Hern wrote in a post on X when announcing his campaign.
NCC’s TAKE: As the 13th largest broiler producing state in the country, NCC looks forward to working with the next junior senator from Oklahoma, whomever voters choose on November 3.
Alan Armstrong at the State Capitol on Tuesday. Source: AP
The staff at NCC wishes you and your families a very blessed and happy Easter weekend next week! NCC’s Washington Report will return on Friday, April 10.
What Happened: The Trump administration on Tuesday delayed until December 31, 2027, the Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems rule, a Biden-era regulation finalized just six days before President Trump took office. It was set to go into effect on July 1, 2026. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced the delay following a review of the rule’s potential impact on the poultry industry and consumers.
Why it Matters: The rule would have effectively banned performance-based bonuses for chicken farmers, requiring all growers to be paid the same rate regardless of their hard work, investments, housing conditions, or bird welfare practices. AMS acknowledged that even a small drop in production efficiency under the rule could result in significantly higher broiler costs — ultimately hitting consumers at the grocery store.
NCC’s Take: NCC strongly supports the delay. “We applaud Secretary Rollins and the Trump administration for their thoughtful review of this Biden-era regulation and for listening to chicken farmers across the country who oppose it,” said NCC President Harrison Kircher. “This regulation threatened to dismantle an efficient and successful industry model that has worked well for decades and helps keep chicken affordable.” NCC has long argued that performance-based pay rewards hard work, encourages the best bird welfare practices, and keeps experienced growers in the industry. Our press release supporting AMS’s announcement can be found here.
WHAT HAPPENED: The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee voted 8-7 yesterday to advance the nomination of Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) to be Homeland Security secretary, setting up a potential confirmation vote on the floor as early as next week. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) bucked the party line to vote against Mullin’s nomination, but Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) crossed party lines to support Mullin.
WHY IT MATTERS: The secretary leads the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which is responsible for guarding the nation against terrorism, cyberattacks, and other threats — both foreign and domestic. DHS oversees Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The secretary sets enforcement priorities and policy direction for the entire immigration system.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: “I truly approached the confirmation of my colleague and friend, Senator Mullin, with an open mind,” Sen. Fetterman said. “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.”
WHAT’s NEXT? A confirmation vote from the full Senate could come as early as next week. Mullin’s nomination is likely to win confirmation, where Republicans hold a 53-47 majority.
Sen. Mullin at the confirmation hearing. Source: Politico
