Sen. Joe Manchin said Wednesday he will vote “no” on President Trump’s pick to head the Department of Education, who he said lacks experience in public education.
Manchin, D-W.Va., is the latest Democrat to object to Betsy DeVos, a school-choice advocate and Republican fundraiser. Democrats have railed against DeVos as unqualified, while the GOP has countered that their opposition is being pushed by the teachers unions who don’t like her record of backing school vouchers and charter schools.
Manchin echoed the complaints of other Democrats who noted DeVos did not attend public schools and never worked in them.
“The needs facing rural schools in West Virginia are unique and her lack of exposure to public education is very concerning for me,” Manchin said in a statement announcing his opposition. “We need an education secretary who has an understanding of the needs of all children, including those with disabilities, and is committed to ensuring they receive a quality education.”
DeVos is expected to win confirmation despite the objection of Democrats, who are in the minority and have no avenue to block executive branch nominees as long as Republicans stick together.
The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions approved DeVos in a party-line vote Tuesday and her nomination now heads to the Senate floor.
