Trump's Controversial Education Secy. Pick Confirmed In Vote
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Vice President Mike Pence broke a tie in a controversial vote over President Donald Trump's pick for Education Secretary.
The vote 51-50 means Betsy DeVos was confirmed to be Education Secretary. There will be a swearing-in ceremony later this evening.
Senate Democrats launched an all-night marathon session in hopes of derailing DeVos' confirmation. They began their 24-hour protest against DeVos in a last-ditch effort to block her confirmation.
"I oppose the nomination," said Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ).
"We are one vote away from changing where we are on this nomination," said Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) before Tuesday's vote.
A Democratic Senator and two Republicans had vowed to vote no Tuesday.
Protests against the 59-year-old billionaire had popped up across the country from teacher unions and other liberal groups over DeVos' support of charter schools and school vouchers - many citing her lack of experience but some Republicans argued Devos will shake things up.
"She brings with her a fresh set of eyes," said Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC).
Republicans also hope to confirm other cabinet nominees this week including Alabama Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions as attorney general, Georgia Rep. Tom Price as Secretary of Health and Human Services and financier Steven Mnuchin as treasury secretary.
