The nomination of Betsy DeVos for U.S. Secretary of Education was approved today by Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee along strict party-lines and will move to a floor vote within the next two weeks. All Democrats and some Republicans raised concerns over DeVos’s lack of understanding of federal education law and policy before the committee vote. 

Republican senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska expressed their vote to move the nomination to a floor vote should not be interpreted as support when next considered by the full U.S. Senate for final confirmation. The vote is expected in the coming weeks.

The U.S. Senate comprises 52 Republicans and 46 Democrats, with 2 Independents who caucus with the Democratic Party.

Contact Senator Collins here.

Contact Senator Murkowski here.