Markwayne Mullin ends Noem rule mandating $100K contract approvals: 'Streamlining the process'

WASHINGTON, DC: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), under Secretary Markwayne Mullin, has scrapped a rule set by his predecessor, Kristi Noem. The rule required the secretary to sign off on any contract or grant above $100,000, a threshold that covered thousands of deals.

With the policy now removed, departments across DHS no longer need that top-level approval. This change also applies to its main immigration agencies, Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Mullin ended a widely criticized policy introduced by Noem, which critics said made it harder for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to respond to and recover from disasters.

Markwayne Mullin scraps Kristi Noem DHS rule

According to CBS News, DHS, led by Markwayne Mullin, has removed a policy introduced by former Secretary Kristi Noem.

The rule required the secretary to review all contracts and grants above that amount. DHS said Mullin “re-evaluated the contract processes to make sure DHS is serving the American taxpayer efficiently.”

“Today, the Secretary rescinded the $100,000 contract review memo,” the department said. “This will streamline the contract process and empower components to carry out their mission to protect the homeland and make America safe again.”

A DHS official said that only much larger contracts, those above $25 million, will now go to the secretary for review.

Mullin had hinted at this change during his confirmation hearing earlier this month. “I'm not a micromanager,” he said when asked about Noem's policy. “We put people in, we empower them to make decisions. What is required to come up to my level, we'll make decisions.”

“We will have a very clear line of communication with every one of our agencies' heads on their authority that you gave to them within their parameters, and we'll discuss,” Mullin added, “but we're also going to be very responsible for the taxpayer dollars.”

This move is part of a broader set of changes Mullin is expected to introduce at DHS. Since taking office, ICE has also begun reviewing plans to turn warehouses across the United States into detention centers for people suspected of being in the country illegally, DHS officials told CBS News.

Kristi Noem policy slows DHS operations

The DHS policy memo signed by Kristi Noem on June 11, 2025, required the secretary to approve every contract or grant over $100,000. This pulled thousands of routine decisions up to the top level.

Officials warned it could slow both regular and urgent purchases, especially during busy periods. DHS relies heavily on contracts. Agencies like ICE use them for detention, security, medical care, and transport. Customs and Border Protection depends on contractors for aircraft, drones, sensors, vehicles, and facility support.

A review later found approvals took about three weeks on average, delaying disaster response efforts such as Texas flood aid, Hurricane Helene relief, housing checks, and crisis support.