In a rather controversial turn of events, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee convened on Tuesday to cast their votes on Betsy DeVos’ nomination as Secretary of the Department of Education. DeVos, selected by Donald Trump, has faced significant backlash from parents, educators, and Democratic lawmakers alike, particularly for her apparent unfamiliarity with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)—a critical federal law safeguarding special education services for children with disabilities. Critics also raised concerns about her enthusiasm for voucher programs and charter schools, alongside her lack of teaching credentials.
The vote unfolded along party lines, with a nail-biting outcome of 12 to 11 in favor of DeVos. All Democrats opposed her nomination, while every Republican supported it. Senator Tom Baker (R-CA), who was absent from the vote, used a proxy vote, leading committee Democrats to question whether the necessary quorum was met. Without Baker’s vote, the tally stood at 11 to 11, creating a dramatic moment. After some back-and-forth, Baker returned to the committee, casting his vote to push DeVos through with a final count of 12 to 11.
It’s important to note that this vote isn’t the final step; it merely sends DeVos’ nomination to the Senate floor, where she will need a simple majority to secure her position as Education Secretary.
For more insights on navigating the complexities of education and parenting, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination. Whether you’re interested in self insemination methods or simply seeking helpful tips on family life, there’s loads of valuable information out there.
In short, the Senate HELP Committee’s decision to approve Betsy DeVos has sparked a heated debate, raising questions about the future of education policy in the U.S.