By RFD Radio/WFMB

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate vote on Education Secretary nominee Betsy DeVos went down as expected Tuesday with a 50-50 tie and Vice President Mike Pence casting the tie-breaking vote in her favor.

U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth was among Democrats who said the confirmation process confirmed their concerns about DeVos views and experience.

“Miss DeVos failed to study, showed up unprepared and appeared unfamiliar with a foundational civil rights law that guarantees every student, including those with disabilities, the right to a quality equitable education,” Duckworth said. “I wouldn’t be here today were it not for strong public schools and civil rights protections.”

Duckworth, who lost both of her legs following an explosion while serving as a U.S. Army helicopter pilot in the Iraq War, said her concerns about DeVos would impact the nation for an extended period.

“Confirming her to lead the agency tasked with educating our children and helping them develop into successful adults would be a mistake for our children because they would have to pay for and live with this mistake for decades to come,” Duckworth said.

Illinois’ Senators Duckworth and Dick Durbin both voted against the DeVos nomination.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].