Democrats Are Holding the Senate Floor for 24 Hours to Protest Betsy DeVos’ Nomination

“On basic competence, Ms. DeVos has failed to make the grade.”


Senate Democrats have announced a plan to hold the Senate floor for the next 24 hours to speak against President Donald Trump’s pick for education secretary, Betsy DeVos.

“In my mind, she is the least qualified nominee in a historically unqualified cabinet,” Sen. Chuck Schumer said from the floor on Monday. “On conflicts of interest, she ranks among the worst.”

“Frankly, Ms. Devos’ answers at the hearing were embarrassing,” he continued.

The rare move comes one day before the Senate is scheduled to cast their final vote on her nomination, which is likely to result in a 50-50 tie, with two Republican senators voting not to confirm DeVos. In the event of a tie, Vice President Mike Pence will cast the deciding vote. 

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