Confirmation of Betsy DeVos as U.S. Secretary of Education

On February 7, 2017, Betsy DeVos was confirmed as the United States Secretary of Education in a historic Senate vote. Her confirmation was notable for requiring a tie-breaking vote cast by Vice President Mike Pence, marking the first time in U.S. history that a Vice President broke a tie for a Cabinet confirmation.

Background

Betsy DeVos was nominated by President Donald Trump as his choice for Secretary of Education. Known for her advocacy of school choice, voucher programs, and charter schools, DeVos’s nomination was controversial and faced significant opposition.

The Senate Vote

The confirmation vote was intensely contested, with the Senate evenly split. The vote concluded with 50 senators in favor and 50 against. This unusual deadlock necessitated intervention by Vice President Mike Pence, who, acting in his role as President of the Senate, cast the decisive vote in favor of DeVos, finalizing the outcome as 51-50.

Historical Significance

• First Vice-Presidential Tie-Breaker for a Cabinet Position: This event marked the first occasion in U.S. history where a Vice President used their constitutional authority to break a tie in the Senate for a Cabinet appointment.

• Narrow Confirmation: The narrowly divided vote reflected deep partisan divisions over DeVos’s qualifications and policy positions.

• Debate Over Education Policy: The confirmation highlighted broader debates on U.S. education policy, particularly concerning public vs. private educational funding and management.

Aftermath

Following her confirmation, Betsy DeVos faced the challenge of implementing her educational policy agenda amidst continuous scrutiny and opposition from various stakeholders, including public school advocates and some educational unions. Her tenure focused on promoting policies related to school choice and deregulation in education.

DeVos’s confirmation remains a significant moment in the history of the United States government, illustrating the potent impact of the Vice President’s constitutional role and the contentious nature of education policy in American politics.