U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) made headlines again this year after a fiery exchange with Teamsters President Sean O’Brien during a November 2023 Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing. The confrontation escalated when Mullin stood up and challenged O’Brien to “finish it here” after reading aloud the union leader’s social media post calling him a “cowboy” who should “quit the tough guy act.” Committee Chair Bernie Sanders intervened, shouting: “You’re a United States senator!”
From Plumbing CEO to Capitol Brawler
Mullin – a Cherokee Nation citizen and Oklahoma’s junior senator since 2023 – first gained national attention during the January 6 Capitol riot when he helped barricade House Chamber doors. The former U.S. Representative (2013-2023) made waves in August 2021 by attempting a rogue evacuation mission during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan despite Pentagon objections.
Controversial Policy Positions
- Co-sponsored legislation banning transgender athletes from women’s sports
- Voted against Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID relief package
- Supported expunging both Trump impeachments from Congressional record
- Advocates total abortion bans without rape/incest exceptions
2024 Legislative Activity
Mullin recently introduced the MVP Act (S.4204) to expand veterans’ healthcare access through public-private partnerships. His office continues pushing for federal regulation of MMA organizations through revived Ali Expansion Act provisions.
