In session before the sun was up on Friday, the U.S. Senate voted along party lines to shut off debate on the nomination of Betsy DeVos to be Secretary of Education in a Trump Administration, moving her one step closer to joining President Trump's Cabinet early next week.
While two Republicans, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, are ready to vote against DeVos, they stuck with the GOP this morning on this procedural vote, as Democrats tried in vain to use a filibuster to block the DeVos nomination.
Credit: Jamie Dupree
Credit: Jamie Dupree
"The nominee for the Secretary of Education is one of the worst that has ever been brought before this body for a Cabinet position," said Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY), as Democrats have zeroed in on DeVos's education record.
"Betsy DeVos could not answer simple questions about our education system," said Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE).
Republicans see things differently.
"She'll be an excellent Education Secretary in my judgment," said Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN).
The final vote on DeVos is expected Tuesday.
After that, Republicans will move to confirm Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) as Attorney General, though Democrats have vowed to slow the process whenever they can.
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