Just as so many of Trump’s campaign promises turned out to be lies – Mexico has still never paid for that wall and healthcare that covers every American is an issue only being taken up by Democrats – his assurances that he would only hire “the best people” gave us Ben Carson as HUD secretary, Scott Pruitt as head of the EPA, and Betsy DeVos in charge of education.
As many as five Democratic-led House committees next year could take on Education Secretary Betsy DeVos over a range of issues https://t.co/F1qnjulGfN
— POLITICO (@politico) November 24, 2018
With the Democratic takeover of the House, however, DeVos’s many harmful policies may finally have some real oversight.
Seth Frotman, the former Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s top student loan official, resigned in protest of DeVos’s new politicies. He told POLITICO that:
‘Betsy DeVos has brought a special mix of incompetence and malevolence to Washington — and that’s rocket fuel for every committee in a new Congress that will finally provide oversight.’
Betsy DeVos' proposed regulation will let schools off the hook for mishandling sexual violence complaints.
Additionally, this new set of rules creates an environment perfectly suited for sexual predators, while ensuring victims have little to no recourse. https://t.co/NmXsknQplI
— Wes Jordan✌? (@wesley_jordan) November 23, 2018
Five House committees plan to take on DeVos’s policies: the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, the House Education Committee, the Appropriates subcommittee, the Financial Services Committee, and the House Oversight Committee.
Veterans Affairs is concerned about DeVos’s support of for-profit schools, which have harmed veterans who have returned from military service to go back to school.
‘Rep. Mark Takano, expected to lead the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, told POLITICO that he will be tracking the effect of decisions to scale back Obama-era regulations aimed at curbing abuses by for-profit colleges that enroll tens of thousands of veterans each year.’
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) is poised to take over the House appropriations subcommittee that oversees funding for education.
‘DeLauro called DeVos’ record on student debt issues “appalling,” citing the administration’s moves to eliminate Obama-era rules meant to cut off funding to low-performing colleges and make it easier for defrauded borrowers to obtain loan forgiveness.’
These are not the best people.
They protect corporate interests over vulnerable young people's.
If you've been ripped off by a for profit school & taught nothing. You shouldn't be burdened with huge debt!#DeVos#BlackFridayhttps://t.co/Rc6NgvoVaY— Renee Hoagenson ? (@ReneeHoagenson) November 24, 2018
Also, Rep. Maxine Waters has been an advocate for ending the practices of for-profit schools. She told POLITICO that:
‘Just as you saw us put the pressure on Corinthian [Colleges] so that they had to basically close down, I think you’re going to see more work that’s being done on private postsecondary schools.’
The deadline was months ago, but annual financial disclosure forms for Steven Mnuchin, Betsy DeVos and Wilbur Ross are still not public. By @KarlEvers1 https://t.co/SpcpAz8lpL
— OpenSecrets.org (@OpenSecretsDC) November 21, 2018
Aaron Ament, president of the National Student Legal Defense Network, publicly called for a list of issues to be reviewed by House Democrats.
‘We are certainly hopeful that the Department of Education will cooperate with the incoming Democratic chairs’ oversight requests. However, given this administration’s track record when it comes to following the law, it would not be surprising if Congress has to use subpoenas to get any useful information.’
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos reverses a controversial decision on how the federal government manages its massive backlog of civil rights complaints that led to a lawsuit https://t.co/eJn2IFYzxQ pic.twitter.com/ppIj8NGWTj
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) November 23, 2018
Seth Frotman is pleased that these issues will finally be challenged, and said that:
‘I saw firsthand how DeVos’ actions have forced every type of student loan borrower — including active duty service members, veterans, teachers and older borrowers to pay a heavy price. The millions of people hurt by her actions deserve not just answers, but accountability.’
Featured image screenshot via YouTube
