President Donald Trump's nominee for Education secretary, Betsy DeVos, has lost the support of some Republicans. Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski are reportedly not going to vote to confirm DeVos and the tip in the balance of the votes could jeopardize the nominee's post assignment.
According to Reuters, Democrats are sure to oppose DeVos' nomination via a block vote. The party only requires three Republican votes to ascertain the charter-school advocate's nomination is rejected. With Collins and Murkowski openly expressing their rejection, only one Republican vote could turn things around.
New York Times reports the reasons why Collins and Murkowski are going to oppose DeVos' confirmation. Collins, who is from Maine, failed to see the nominee's plans for alternative or special education. Murkowski, who is from Alaska, does not see DeVos' clear understanding of the public education system.
"She may be unaware of what actually is successful within the public schools, and also what is broken and how to fix them," Murkowski said. Collins, on the other hand, cited that because of DeVos' focus in on charter and vouchers, the senator is not sure if DeVos "fully appreciates that the secretary of education's primary focus must be helping out states and communities."
Murkowski also said her constituents in Alaska have written and called her to express their opposition against DeVos' confirmation. "I have heard from thousands - truly thousands - of Alaskans who shared their concerns about Mrs. DeVos as secretary of education," the senator revealed, according to Vox.
USA Today predicts DeVos' confirmation could end up with a 50-50 tie. Vice President Mike Pence is tasked to break this up as the Senate president and so far, Pence has been loyal to Trump's choices.
It's still unclear when the final vote will take place as the date has not been set. For now, what's only certain is the Senate has endorsed this nomination to proceed for a full vote on the floor.
