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Pence: Education pick DeVos will be confirmed with his vote

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FILE – In this Nov. 19, 2016 file photo, President-elect Donald Trump, left, and Betsy DeVos, right, pose for photographs at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster\'s clubhouse in Bedminster, N.J. Republican Ohio Gov. John Kasich wrote a Jan. 24, 2017, letter urging confirmation of DeVos, Trump\'s education secretary nominee, without mentioning the significant unpaid fine owed to Ohio by a now-defunct political action committee she controlled. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

WASHINGTON – Vice-President Mike Pence says he fully expects billionaire GOP donor Betsy DeVos will be confirmed as education secretary with his tie-breaking vote.

Speaking on “Fox News Sunday,” Pence says the Trump administration is “very confident” she will take up her Cabinet post soon.

Last week, two Republican senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, said they would vote against DeVos’ nomination, citing concerns from parents and teachers. Their opposition set up a 50-50 tie in the Senate if all Democrats vote against her and no other Republicans dissent. Pence would be the tie-breaker.

DeVos has faced fierce criticism from labour unions for her promotion of school choice. Democrats and teachers’ organizations also accuse her of seeking to dismantle public education.

The Senate vote is Tuesday.

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