Senate advances Betsy DeVos nomination for education secretary

DeVos in senate hearings earlier in the process. (AP photo)

WASHINGTON DC – (David Sherfinski – The Washington Times. Please click to read the full story. Here is an excerpt.) The U.S. Senate on Friday advanced the nomination of Betsy DeVos, President Trump’s pick to be the next secretary of education, on a 52-48 vote. Mrs. DeVos’ prospects looked dicey earlier this week when two Republican senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, announced they would not vote to confirm her. & But with Republicans holding an effective 52-48 majority in the Senate, Vice President Mike Pence will potentially have to break a 50-50 tie if other senators stick to their sides on the actual confirmation vote.