Trump's Pick for Education Secretary Dealt Confirmation Blow by Key GOP Senators
— -- Two Republican senators announced they will vote against President Donald Trump's nominee for secretary of education, casting serious doubt on whether she has the support to be confirmed.
Democrats had already spoken out against Betsy DeVos, and Republican Sens. Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski said Wednesday they will also vote against her.
Sen. Jeff Sessions would vote in favor of DeVos if the vote comes before his confirmation as Attorney General, a source told ABC News. So far, Sessions has voted in favor of four fellow Trump Cabinet nominees this year -- Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, CIA Director Mike Pompeo and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Vice President Mike Pence could also vote in favor of DeVos in case of a tie.
Murkowski said DeVos displayed a "lack of experience with public education" and a "lack of knowledge" in her confirmation hearing.
Despite the news about opposition to Trump's pick for the Education Department, White House press secretary Sean Spicer stood by DeVos, saying he is "100 percent confident she will be the next secretary of education."
DeVos is a wealthy Republican donor and activist from Michigan, where she has been a vocal supporter of charter schools and school choice policies.
Groups like the National Education Association and American Federation of Teachers are strongly opposed to DeVos.
