Senator Hassan Votes Against Betsy DeVos’ Nomination in HELP Committee

Senator Hassan Votes Against Betsy DeVos' Nomination in HELP Committee

WASHINGTON - Today, Senator Maggie Hassan released the following statement after voting in opposition to the nomination of President Trump's nominee to lead the Department of Education, Betsy DeVos, in the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee:

"Yesterday, I visited Souhegan High School in Amherst, a shining example of what can be achieved when our public schools are adequately supported. Unfortunately, throughout the hearing process Betsy DeVos has shown that she lacks both experience with and support for public education, and that she would pursue policies that would undermine public schools like Souhegan across New Hampshire and America. Mrs. DeVos' support for diverting taxpayer dollars to private, religious and for-profit schools without accountability requirements is unacceptable, as is her failure to understand the challenges facing students with disabilities. Additionally, her unresolved conflicts of interest call into question whether she will put America's students before her own financial interests. I am encouraged by the enormous grassroots opposition to Mrs. DeVos' nomination, and I continue to urge my colleagues to listen to the voices of their constituents and oppose Mrs. DeVos' nomination when it reaches the Senate floor."

During the HELP Committee confirmation hearing for Mrs. DeVos, Senator Maggie Hassan questioned the nominee on her commitment to protecting students who experience disabilities. Not only did Mrs. DeVos fail to commit to enforcing the law to protect students with disabilities, but she also admitted that she was confused about whether the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is a federal law.

In an attempt at damage control, Mrs. DeVos later released a letter that did nothing to reassure that she will enforce the IDEA or ensure that all students receive a free and appropriate education.

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