If all other GOP senators support DeVos as expected, and all Democrats oppose her, she would end up with a 50-50 vote in the Senate and Vice President Mike Pence would have to break the tie to confirm her.
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12:01 p.m.
Democrats temporally thwarted a Senate confirmation vote on President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency by boycotting a key committee meeting.
The seats reserved for the 10 Democrats on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee were empty as Wednesday’s meeting to discuss to nomination of Scott Pruitt was called to order. Committee rules require that at least two members of the minority party be present for a vote to be held.
Chairman John Barrasso accused the absent Democrats of engaging in obstruction amounting to nothing more than “political theater.” After recessing, the Wyoming Republican pledged to “do what is necessary” to advance Pruitt’s nomination, raising the possibility the GOP majority may seek a rules change to push the issue to a vote before the full Senate.
