"Tell me to my face": Paul a "no" on Mullin after heated hearing

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) opened Sen. Markwayne Mullin's confirmation hearing with a remarkable challenge, daring the Homeland Security secretary nominee to "tell me to my face" why Paul deserved an assault that left him with broken ribs. Why it matters: Mullin's hearing got off to a rocky start — and Paul said afterwards that he would vote against reporting Mullin's nomination out of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which he chairs.

"You have never had the courage to look me in the eye and tell me the assault was justified," Paul said, referring to comments Mullin made at a town hall, where he also called Paul a "freakin' snake." "And while you're at it, explain to the American public why they should trust a man with anger issues," Paul added.

The other side: Mullin addressed Paul directly in his opening statement.

"Seems like you fight Republicans more than you work with us," Mullin said. "I did address those remarks. I did explain your gimmicks by the amendment you put forth," he added.

"I don't think anybody should be hit by surprise. I don't like that. But if I do have something to say, everybody in this room knows I'll come straight to you."

"I am not scared of a challenge," Mullin said. "I am scared of failure." "We have to get DHS funded," Mullin added, referencing the looming shutdown.

What we're watching: Paul told Semafor that while he would vote "no," he has agreed to "get an expeditious vote" on the nomination in his committee.

Still, it's clear the Oklahoma senator doesn't have an ally in Paul. "The record should show — and I think will show — a lack of contrition, no apology, and no regrets for your support," Paul said in response. Mullin responded: "I'm not apologizing for pointing out your character."

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.