Press Releases

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement on the Senate’s confirmation of Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education and votes in the House today to overturn rules designed to help state departments of education measure student success.

“Today Republicans took steps to undermine and destabilize our nation’s public schools, which serve 9 out of 10 students in this country. Despite historic opposition, a tie-breaking vote cast by Vice President Pence led to Senate confirmation of Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education—a wealthy Republican donor who has shown little regard for or knowledge of the public education system she has been entrusted to steward. Meanwhile, Republicans in the House have pushed legislation to overturn Department of Education rules that help states create accountability plans and measure student success.
 
“Public education continues to be our country’s most important resource for ensuring that all children—no matter their circumstances—can succeed to the best of their ability. Delivering a quality education to all American children is fundamental to our country’s long-term success. I’m extremely disappointed to see Republicans place such a low importance on our public education system and the students who rely on it to succeed.”

For more background on the House vote on H.J. Res. 57, please visit: https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-joint-resolution/57.