The Department of Homeland Security announced Wednesday that Secretary Markwayne Mullin has eliminated a controversial requirement that forced all contracts above $100,000 to cross his desk for approval.
The policy reversal follows an internal review of how the department handles its contracting procedures, with officials stating that Mullin aims to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used effectively.
Mullin made this change within his first week on the job, having been sworn in less than seven days ago to replace former Secretary Kristi Noem.
Democratic lawmakers had pressured Noem earlier this month to abandon the policy, arguing in correspondence that it had “resulted in widespread delays in funding and mismanagement.”
“Today, the Secretary rescinded the $100,000 contract review memo,” department officials announced. “This will streamline the contract process and empower components to carry out their mission to protect the homeland and make America safe again.”
According to CBS News reporting citing a homeland security official, contracts valued above $25 million will still require the secretary’s direct review, though Reuters could not independently verify this information.
In their March 18 correspondence to the department, Democratic representatives stated: “To ensure that DHS effectively performs its critical national security functions on behalf of the American people, we call on DHS to rescind the $100,000 approval policy and return to the prior approval threshold, given the clear risk of mismanagement, confusion, and self-dealing.”
Congressional Democrats have expressed support for Mullin’s decision to reverse the policy.
