Schumer Announces Opposition to Betsy DeVos for Secretary of Education

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today released the below statement in opposition of confirming Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education:

“The President’s decision to ask Betsy DeVos to run the Department of Education should offend every single American man, woman, and child who has benefitted from the public education system in this country. Public education has lifted millions out of poverty, has put millions in good paying jobs, and has been the launching pad for people who went on to cure disease and to create inventions that have changed our society for the better.

“Betsy DeVos would single-handedly decimate our public education system if she were confirmed. Her plan to privatize education would deprive students from a good public education, while helping students from wealthy families get another leg up. It would deprive teachers of a decent salary, and it would make it harder for parents to get a good education for their kids.

“Betsy DeVos would be just another member of the swamp cabinet that is full of billionaires and bankers. The fact that she refuses to divest from companies that would line her family's pocket as education secretary, while crushing students with additional debt is all the proof one needs to know that she is in this for herself, and not for students.

“I will vote no, and I will do it proudly.”