SacBee: (Capitol Alert): Padilla Protests Trump’s Education Secretary Pick
By David Lightman
Sen. Alex Padilla had a different look Thursday when he spoke on the U.S. Senate floor. He was using that look to make a point about Linda McMahon, President Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of Education.
Padilla, D-Calif., was wearing a black shirt over his regular shirt and tie that said “Tigers” across the chest. That’s the nickname of his alma mater, San Fernando High School.
“I’m a proud product of public education, a graduate of high school–go Tigers–and upon completion of my high school education, I was accepted, had the blessed opportunity to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where I earned my degree in mechanical engineering.”
That education, he said, “led to a better life and more opportunities, exactly what my parents worked so hard and sacrificed for.”
His ultimate point: “That’s the American dream, and I know that by far I’m not alone. That’s why I find it outrageous that Mrs. McMahon and Republicans can so callously plan to take a chainsaw to the American dreams of so many current and future students.”
McMahon is the former chief executive officer of World Wrestling Entertainment. Trump wants to eliminate the department and dramatically cut federal funding.
Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, said McMahon’s business acumen is badly needed.
“For the last four years, the Department focused on everything but student learning. Its bureaucracy and red tape stand in the way of student success,” he said.
The Senate agreed to limit debate on the nomination Friday on a party line 51 to 47 vote. A final vote on McMahon is expected Monday night.
Read the full article here.