U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Announces She Will Not Support Betsy DeVos’ Confirmation for Secretary of Education

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today released the following statement announcing she will oppose President Trump’s nomination of Betsy DeVos for Secretary of Education:

“Wisconsin has a long and proud tradition of supporting quality public education for every student. In fact, from our beginning in 1848, the state constitution provided for a free education for all children in the state. This is a tradition I have a deep respect for and have worked to move forward. It is very important to me that our next Secretary of Education respects this tradition and is committed to it, but after meeting with Betsy DeVos, and participating in the hearing as a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, I don’t believe she does.  

“Nor do I believe she is qualified to lead America’s efforts to give more students access to a higher education. We have a student loan debt crisis in our country and this nominee did not earn my trust that she is prepared to act and make higher education more affordable for students and families.

“In addition, it is deeply troubling this nominee for Secretary of Education failed to complete her ethics homework and address in a transparent and timely way over 100 potential conflicts of interest prior to last week’s committee hearing. Important questions and concerns remain for Betsy DeVos, which is why I have joined my colleagues in calling for a second committee hearing that would ensure that these and other important issues receive the scrutiny that they deserve. 

“Betsy DeVos lacks the public education experience and qualifications for this job and she would not rule out defunding public schools. For all these reasons and more, I will not support Betsy DeVos’ confirmation to be our next Secretary of Education.”