Billionaire philanthropist Betsy DeVos was confirmed as President Donald Trump's Education Secretary, bringing her rocky confirmation process to a historic conclusion. Vice President Mike Pence offered the 51st vote in favor of DeVos

Soon after Senator Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine, and Senator Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska, said they would not vote for DeVos, the White House said it is confident that she will ultimately be approved.

The US Senate committee for health, education, labor and pensions voted 12-11 to approve Betsy DeVos as education secretary, clearing the way for a full Senate vote on the nomination