WATCH: Senate Homeland Security Committee advances nomination of Markwayne Mullen to DHS

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Markwayne Mullen is one step closer to becoming President Donald Trump’s next Homeland Security secretary after a Senate committee on Thursday narrowly advanced his nomination.

Watch the interview in the video player above.

The 8-7 vote came after a contentious hearing on Wednesday and sent the Cabinet’s nomination to the full Senate, which could work to confirm the Oklahoma GOP’s nomination next week.

He watches: Mullen criticized his previous statements at a tense DHS confirmation hearing

This included a “no” vote from the Republican president, Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, and a “yes” vote from the Democrat, Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania. The approval comes as parties battle fiercely over Department of Homeland Security policies, leading to a funding outage that is now in its 34th day.

During his testimony before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Mullen tried to make the case that he would be a steady hand after the tumultuous tenure of Kristi Noem, Trump’s first DHS secretary. Mullen also signaled his support for Trump’s immigration priorities, which are key to the funding crunch after at least three US citizens were killed by federal agents.

Mullen’s hearing was unusually combative and came close to going off the rails when he engaged in heated exchanges with some Democrats as well as Paul.

He watches: Sen. Paul Mullen, DHS nominee, asks whether he believes violence can resolve political differences

In addition to the lengthy controversy over Mullen’s failure to disclose what he called a “secret” trip to Congress while he was a House member, Paul opened the hearing with a fiery statement challenging Mullen’s ability to lead the Department of Homeland Security.

Paul pointed to comments Mullen made after a funding battle, when he called Paul a “terrifying snake” and said he understood why a neighbor would take on Paul in a dispute over lawn care. This incident occurred several years ago, and Paul suffered multiple fractures in his ribs, and later underwent surgeries linked to the attack.

“I just wonder if someone who applauds violence against his political opponents is the right person to lead an agency struggling to accept the limits of the proper use of force?” Paul said.

Mullen refused to back down.

Read more: Who is Markwayne Mullen, Trump’s new nominee for the Department of Homeland Security?

“Your saying I’m a liar, sir, is inaccurate,” Mullen said.

Paul later said he would not vote to confirm Mullen.

Fetterman, who has repeatedly challenged his party, said his vote was “rooted in a strong, committed and constructive working relationship with Senator Mullen for the security of our nation.”