DeLauro Statement on Senate Vote to Confirm Betsy DeVos

WASHINGTON, DC (February 7, 2017) — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement regarding the Senate's vote to confirm Betsy DeVos as the Secretary of Education. DeLauro is the Senior Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee responsible for funding the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education.

"The Senate's confirmation of billionaire and anti-public school lobbyist Ms. DeVos as Secretary of Education is a stunning validation that Republicans in Congress will work with the new Administration to cut public education. Our public school system is a ladder to the middle class for millions of American students, yet it is now under attack.

"Ms. DeVos, welcome to your new job. Your words and your actions matter, not just for the Department of Education, but for the millions of students and teachers that now depend on you. When you come before my Appropriations subcommittee, we will have an honest conversation on the many programs within the Department of Education, including those for students with disabilities, children in high-poverty schools, and victims of sexual assault on college campuses. Further, I expect you to offer a budget supporting public school children and teachers, not depriving them of the resources they need to thrive.

"My Democratic colleagues and I will continue to hold this Administration accountable and ensure that every American—and especially our children—will not suffer undue harm from this Administration's actions. The Department of Education must give our children the opportunity to thrive and we will not let the Trump Administration diminish its work."