Betsy DeVos was confirmed as the Secretary of Education despite two Republican Senate members casting a vote against her. The vote was 50-50, so Vice President Mike Pence stepped in to cast a tie-breaking vote leading to the win of DeVos.
CNN reported Senate Democrats debated the win of DeVos in an attempt to prevent her from seating as the Secretary of Education with the help of Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins. Their attempts, however, were not enough as DeVos was sworn into office. Pence administered the oath of office and commented about the casting of the tie-breaking vote as the easiest vote he has done.
DeVos' confirmation caused an uproar from public school supporters and teachers unions. DeVos was opposed by many since the day it was announced she is President Donald Trump's pick for the Secretary of Education post.
For one, many do not like her persistence when it comes to school vouchers as well as her suggestion that public schools should be abolished. Others believe her lack of experience will not make her lead the Education department successfully.
Senator Chris Murphy expressed his disappointment of the confirmation. He said DeVos lacks the compassion and the knowledge of federal laws, so she will not be able to protect the students. He continued to say DeVos is not someone who should be the Secretary of Education.
Despite the disapproval of many, DeVos took to Twitter to talk about her confirmation and wrote, "I appreciate the Senate's diligence & am honored to serve as @usedgov Secretary. Let's improve options & outcomes for all US students." She expressed in the past that she did not want to abolish the whole public school system, but said she wants to support only the performing public schools in order to give better education to students.
As for her other plans, Daily Signal reported it is being projected she wants parents in the District of Columbia to have expanded choices. She might have plans to propose education savings accounts for military-connected children, eliminate formula and competitive grant programs and ease the cost of college.
What do you think about DeVos being the new Secretary of Education? What are your suggestions regarding her plans in order to improve United States' education system? Let us know in the comments below!
