Betsy DeVos is confirmed as education secretary, and why that's good news for many parents

DeVos faced a bitter confirmation fight.

Betsy DeVos has been confirmed as President Trump's new education secretary. Her confirmation was contentious as critics blasted what they say was a lackluster confirmation hearing.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - Betsy DeVos is the new education Secretary following a tie in the Senate and a deciding vote cast by Vice President Mike Pence.

From the start, DeVos faced an uphill battle to clench her nomination. Via her husband, her family is the beneficiary of the Amway fortune and they have used their family's wealth to support various charitable causes. She is a well-known and well-liked philanthropist.

DeVos is also a proponent of school vouchers and Christian education.

During Senate confirmation hearings, DeVos was grilled by members of the committee. Some of the questions were quite pointed and her answers left them unsatisfied. Several members of the Senate expressed public concern over her qualifications.

Senate Democrats staged an all-night protest, speaking without stopping until time for her vote. Their lobbying caused two Republican senators to defect and also vote against DeVos. Her final vote in the senate was 50-50, allowing Vice President Mike Pence to cast the final, tie-breaking vote in her favor.

Betsy DeVos is good news for many parents. She has some excellent ideas and she will bring a new viewpoint to the Education Department. Christian, private, and homeschool educators have long been underrepresented in the Department. DeVos will ensure their voices are heard too.

DeVos will be the 11th Secretary of Education.

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