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Independent Living News & Policy from the National Council on Independent Living

Action Alert: Call Your Senators to Oppose Betsy DeVos – Only One More NO Vote Needed!

On Tuesday of this week, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) voted to move Betsy DeVos’ nomination for Secretary of the Department of Education forward. Early this morning, the full Senate voted to advance her to a final confirmation vote, which is expected Monday but could be as early as this weekend.

Two Republican Senators – Susan Collins (R-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) – have indicated that they will vote NO. Because there are 52 Republicans, and because Vice President Pence would serve as the tie-breaker, we need ONE more Senator to oppose DeVos to ensure she will not be confirmed. DeVos is a terrible choice to lead the department responsible for the education of children with (and without) disabilities. In a previous alert, we outlined some of our major concerns.

We need you to contact your Senators and ask them to vote NO on DeVos! ONE more Senator’s opposition will prevent this scary and unqualified nominee from leading the Department of Education. We must keep up the pressure! Tell your Senators how dangerous DeVos will be for students with disabilities all over the country by calling the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121. Just ask to be connected to your Senator’s office, and if it’s busy, keep calling back! Also, please reach out to your Senators online, via their website, Facebook, or Twitter. Use the hashtags #DumpDeVos or #DeVosFacts.

Note: The following Senators have been identified as individuals who may be willing to take a stand against DeVos. While several of them have indicated a commitment to supporting her, if one of your Senators is listed below, please make sure to reach out to them! Nevertheless, keeping the pressure on ALL Republican Senators is necessary at this time, so please take action, even if your Senator isn’t on the list!

  • Dean Heller (R–NV)
  • Pat Toomey (R-PA)
  • Jeff Flake (R-AZ)
  • John McCain (R-AZ)
  • Rob Portman (R-OH)
  • Dan Sullivan (R-AK)
  • Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)
  • Deb Fischer (R-NE)
  • John Hoeven (R-ND)
  • Herry Moran (R-KS)
  • Cory Gardner (R-CO)