By Hugh T. Ferguson, NASFAA Staff Reporter
Miguel Cardona, President Joe Biden’s nominee to lead the Department of Education, received swift bipartisan approval in a 17-5 vote by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) committee.
Only five of the committee’s Republicans objected to the nomination, but ranking member Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), who voted in favor of Cardona, largely praised the nominee. In total, six Republican committee members voted to approve Cardona’s nomination.
The nomination now heads to the full Senate and based on Cardona’s support across the aisle, it would be unlikely to face challenges that plagued his predecessor's confirmation.
While the Senate continues to consider the impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump, it is unclear whether the nomination will be considered in the coming week or be held until the completion of the trial.
Publication Date: 2/12/2021
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