OKC Standard

This morning, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) appeared on Fox News' America’s Newsroom with Dana Perino to discuss several pressing issues. These included the ongoing negotiations over a continuing resolution (CR) in the House, the potential for what he termed a "Schumer Shutdown," and concerns about fentanyl trafficking from Canada and Mexico.

Senator Mullin commented on Speaker Johnson's efforts: “First of all, Speaker Johnson is doing a phenomenal job. The fact that he’s working so closely with the Senate, with the White House, and then being able to bring a coalition of a very, very slim majority to be able to pass these much needed, tough bills." He added that this situation puts Democrats in a difficult position regarding passing the CR.

Mullin addressed the possibility of a government shutdown attributed to Senator Schumer: “It’s 60 votes for the CR... So, the most we can deliver in the Senate is 53 Republican votes… We’ll probably do 51 maybe 52, but the rest of it is up to the Democrats.” He stated that if Schumer allows another shutdown similar to one in 2018, it would be due to Democratic decisions.

Discussing government control during a shutdown, Mullin said: “Let’s think about this, Dana, if we shutdown, who controls the government at that point? It’s the President of the United States.” He argued that Republicans aim to move past what he called "Biden’s leftovers" and focus on future priorities.

Mullin criticized Senator Schumer for not advancing appropriation bills: “Now keep in mind, Chuck Schumer should have already did this... He chose not to bring up not a single appropriation bill underneath his leadership.”

On international relations concerning drug trafficking, Mullin highlighted issues with Canada and Mexico: “With Canada and Mexico, it’s about national security. They continue to allow the cartels and trafficking and fentanyl to fly across our northern and southern border.” He suggested tariffs as a measure if cooperation does not improve.