Sen. Deb Fischer announced her support on Thursday for education secretary nominee Betsy DeVos, all but assuring DeVos will be confirmed with help from a tie-breaking vote by Vice President Mike Pence.
Fischer, R-Neb., announced her support for DeVos, bringing the number of GOP senators supporting her to 50. The teachers unions launched a vigorous campaign to defeat DeVos, and their efforts helped win the opposition of two Republicans, Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.
A 50-50 tie would require Vice President Mike Pence to break the tie and cast the deciding vote in favor of DeVos, a wealthy GOP fundraiser and school choice advocate.
Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn, R-Texas, said the Senate is scheduled to vote on DeVos’ confirmation Tuesday at noon.
“Vice president Pence is going to be available if we need him,” Cornyn told the Washington Examiner.
DeVos has become one of the most difficult nominees for the GOP to confirm. At her confirmation hearing, Democrats attacked her lack of experience in public education and condemned her advocacy of school vouchers and charter schools.
Fischer said she decided to vote for DeVos after receiving “a commitment to me in writing,” that DeVos will work for “all students, especially those with disabilities.” DeVos also pledged to boost local control of education, Fischer said.
