Betsy DeVos
Betsy DeVos
It wasn't easy for Betsy DeVos, one of the more controversial nominees for secretary of education in recent history.
A confirmation vote in the U.S. Senate that began at noon on Tuesday ended in a a 50-50 deadlock, so VIce President Mike Pence stepped in and broke the tie, giving DeVos the nomination. It was the first time a vice president broke a tie vote for a cabinet nomination.
As expected, Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine broke party ranks and voted against DeVos.
Critics say she's highly unqualified for the job and is too anti-public education.
Michigan's Democratic senators speak out:
► Gary Peters: "As I have said before, Mrs. DeVos has no experience in public education at any level, not as a teacher, not as an administrator, not as a student or parent, not as a school board member and not even as a borrower of public loans for college.
“Ask any parent, our children are what we hold most dear. It only makes sense that the individual we entrust with our children’s education should have at least some experience in public education."
► Debbie Stabenow: “I am deeply disappointed that Senate Republicans confirmed Betsy DeVos to lead the Department of Education. I’ve heard from an overwhelming number of Michigan families who have shared their strong concerns about her long record of pushing policies that have seriously undermined public education in Michigan and failed our children.
"That is why I joined with half of my Senate colleagues, including two Republicans, to oppose her nomination.”
