Senate Democrats are planning a rare all-night talkathon to protest Betsy DeVos's nomination for Education secretary ahead of an expected vote on Tuesday.
"Democrats will hold the floor for the next 24 hours, until the final vote, to do everything we can to persuade just one more Republican to join us," Sen. Patty Murray
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Patricia (Patty) Lynn MurrayCriminal justice groups offer support for Durbin amid fight for Judiciary spot National reading, math tests postponed to 2022 amid coronavirus surge Democratic anger rises over Trump obstacles to Biden transition MORE (D-Wash.) said from the Senate floor Monday.Unless Democrats agree to yield back some debate time, a final vote on DeVos is expected for noon Tuesday, when Vice President Mike Pence
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A spokesman for Murray confirmed that "Democrats plan to keep the floor open and there will be speeches over the night in this final push."
Multiple Senate Democrats indicated on Monday afternoon that they would take part in the late-night session to voice their objections to President Trump's nominee to lead the Department of Education.
Sen. Bob Casey
Robert (Bob) Patrick CaseyScranton dedicates 'Joe Biden Way' to honor president-elect Grassley tests positive for coronavirus Casey says he isn't thinking about Pennsylvania gubernatorial bid in 2022 MORE Jr. (D-Pa.) said shortly after the Senate came into session at noon Monday that Democrats would speak out against DeVos from the Senate floor "for the next 24 hours."
Robert (Bob) Patrick CaseyScranton dedicates 'Joe Biden Way' to honor president-elect Grassley tests positive for coronavirus Casey says he isn't thinking about Pennsylvania gubernatorial bid in 2022 MORE Jr. (D-Pa.) said shortly after the Senate came into session at noon Monday that Democrats would speak out against DeVos from the Senate floor "for the next 24 hours." For the next 24 hours, @SenateDems will #HoldTheFloor to oppose the nomination of Betsy DeVos.
— Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) February 6, 2017
Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) added that is he is scheduled to speak at 2 a.m.
DeVos, a GOP mega-donor, has been the subject of fierce opposition from teachers unions and other liberal groups over her support for charter schools and tuition vouchers using public funds.
She cleared a key procedural hurdle during a rare Friday morning session in a party-line 52-48 vote.
No Democrat is expected to support DeVos's nomination. GOP Sens. Susan Collins
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Lisa Ann MurkowskiBiden says GOP senators have called to congratulate him COVID-19 relief picks up steam as McConnell, Pelosi hold talks McConnell in tough position as House eyes earmark return MORE (Alaska) are expected to vote against her.
Susan Margaret CollinsBiden says GOP senators have called to congratulate him GOP blocks effort to make payroll tax deferral optional for federal workers COVID-19 relief picks up steam as McConnell, Pelosi hold talks MORE (Maine) and Lisa MurkowskiLisa Ann MurkowskiBiden says GOP senators have called to congratulate him COVID-19 relief picks up steam as McConnell, Pelosi hold talks McConnell in tough position as House eyes earmark return MORE (Alaska) are expected to vote against her.Opponents are running out of time to find a crucial third Republican to help them sink DeVos. Republican Sens. Pat Toomey (Pa.), John Hoeven (N.D.), Dean Heller (Nev.) and Deb Fischer (Neb.) — each considered potential candidates to flip and oppose DeVos — announced late last week that they would support Trump’s nominee.
