Former Florida governor and GOP presidential candidate Jeb Bush on Tuesday offered congratulations to Betsy DeVos for her confirmation as to head up the Education Department, the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Bush made the statement via his Foundation for Excellence in Education, on whose board DeVos was a member.
"I congratulate Betsy DeVos on her confirmation as our nation's next Secretary of Education. The president made an excellent choice to lead the Department of Education," Bush wrote.
"Millions of families share Secretary DeVos's vision for disrupting a failed status quo that has denied too many children access to a quality education," Bush continued. "It's time to upend the entrenched special interests that put adults above genuine reforms that will raise student achievement."
DeVos was confirmed Tuesday after a 50-50 tie vote was broken by Vice President Mike Pence, the first time a vice president has had to break a tie on a Cabinet appointment.
Democrats held an all-night session attempting to sway at least one more Republican to vote against DeVos after two Republicans, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, broke party ranks to vote against DeVos.
Bush joined other Republicans who said Democratic opposition hinged on teachers unions who opposed DeVos because of her support for school vouchers to allow disadvantaged children to attend private and religious schools.
"I hope the senators who opposed Secretary DeVos's nomination will now put aside the tired arguments of the unions and come together to prioritize the needs of students," Bush said.
"Under Secretary DeVos's leadership, I am confident the federal government will loosen its grip on our education system and return power to the states and parents where it rightfully belongs."
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