The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee has voted in favor of Dr. John King’s nomination for Secretary of Education 16 – 6. King, who is a former teacher and New York Commissioner of Education, has served as Acting Secretary of Education since Arne Duncan’s departure in December 2015.
The members who voted against King’s Confirmation:
- Mike Enzi (R-WY)
- Richard Burr (R-NC)
- Rand Paul (R-KY)
- Johnny Isakson (R-GA)
- Pat Roberts (R-KS)
- Tim Scott (R-SC)
All Democrats of the HELP Committee voted to confirm King, including Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-WA), who expressed strong support for him by stating King has “demonstrated a longstanding commitment to fighting for kids.” Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) voted in favor of King’s confirmation in Committee, but has stated she will not approve his confirmation on the Senate floor unless he provides more “direct answers” in regards to the Department of Education’s efforts to protect student loan borrowers from fraudulent colleges.
King’s nomination will now go to the Senate floor for final approval. A date has yet to be determined. Regardless of the result, King will continue to serve through President Obama’s final year in office. We will be sure to keep you updated on developments regarding Dr. King’s final confirmation to the position.
Ronny Lau, Legislative Policy Advisor, Center for Advocacy, Policy, and Constituency Engagement, March 9, 2016. © National Association for Music Education (NAfME.org)
