Senate Committee fails to move forward Biden Education Dept. nominee, vote split

WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 13: Catherine Lhamon addresses a post-midterm election meeting of Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network in the Kennedy Caucus Room at the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill November 13, 2018 in Washington, D.C. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Joe Biden’s nominee for the Education Department’s top civil rights position has hit a roadblock. The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions failed to advance Catherine Lhamon this week.

The vote deadlocked 11 to 11, falling along party lines with Republicans citing Lhamon’s questionable stance on Title 9 rules and due process for college students accused of sexual misconduct.

Lhamon previously served in the same position under the Obama administration from 2013 to 2017. The nomination now goes to Senate Majority Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) who must discharge her nomination before going to a confirmation vote on the Senate floor.

Senate education committee votes 11-11 on Catherine Lhamon, Biden's nominee to be the federal government's top education civil rights official.

Richard Burr, the top Republican on the committee, voted to confirm Miguel Cardona but has come out against Lhamon here. pic.twitter.com/WTJCUFfjdi

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