Georgia’s U.S. senators support education secretary confirmation in 51-50 vote

WASHINGTON — Both of Georgia’s U.S. senators voted Tuesday to approve President Trump’s choice for education secretary, which was confirmed by the closest vote ever for a cabinet appointment.

Two Republican senators — Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine — joined the 46 Democratic and two independent senators who opposed the confirmation of Elisabeth “Betsy” DeVos, causing a tie in the Senate. It was broken when Vice President Mike Pence, who serves as president of the Senate, broke the deadlock, confirming DeVos with a 51-50 vote.

It was the first time a vice president has been the deciding vote in a cabinet nomination. Before Senate Democrats in 2013 employed the “nuclear option” for all presidential cabinet and judicial appointments except Supreme Court justices, confirmations required 60-vote majorities to prevent a senator strongly opposed to a nomination from stopping it with a filibuster.

“Last year, Congress worked hard to return control of education to parents and local school boards, and Mrs. DeVos has demonstrated her strong commitment to follow the intent of Congress as implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act continues,” Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Marietta, a member of the Senate committee that oversees education, said.

“I appreciate her commitment to parents’ roles in education and school choice, as well as her statement of strong support for ensuring that kids with special needs get a personalized education plan,” Isakson said. “I also pledge to work with Mrs. DeVos in her new position to ensure the rights of all students are looked after moving forward.”

Sen. David Perdue, R-Sea Island, reiterated Tuesday a statement he made Friday in support of the Trump nominee.

“Both of my parents were school teachers, and education is something very dear to me,” Perdue said. “Parents, teachers, administrators and students all know that one-size-fits-all Washington education standards are not working, and it is time to return control back to states and communities. Betsy DeVos shares these same beliefs.

“She has championed school choice and, as evidenced by her years of involvement, will work tirelessly to improve our education system. I was proud to support Betsy DeVos’ nomination and look forward to working with her to help all students succeed.”

Senate Democrats took turns overnight arguing against DeVos, but could not sway a third GOP senator to join them, which would have scuttled the nomination. Republicans could not allow the confirmation for Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., as Trump’s attorney general to precede the education secretary decision because his vote was needed for Republican senators to confirm DeVos.

The decision on Sessions is expected today after the Senate voted 52-47, with Sessions abstaining, to advance his nomination for a final vote. Sen. Joe Manchi, D-W.Va., joined with Republicans in that vote.