ED Nominees Pass Final Senate Hurdle
On Tuesday, the Senate approved 107 of President Donald Trump’s nominees in a 51–47 party-line vote, including four top officials for the U.S. Department of Education (ED).
Kimberly Richey, who served as acting head of the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) during President Trump’s first term, was confirmed as Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, which enforces civil rights laws, including laws that protect children with disabilities. Her role is central to the Administration’s efforts to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and enforce policies on gender and race in schools, consistent with current Executive Orders.
Kirsten Baesler, North Dakota’s longtime superintendent of public instruction, was confirmed as Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education. Mary Christina Riley, a former congressional staffer and ED official, was confirmed as Assistant Secretary for Legislative and Congressional Affairs. David Barker, a member of the Iowa Board of Regents, was confirmed as Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education.