Central ND News

The U.S. Senate has confirmed Kirsten Baesler as Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education at the Department of Education. Senator John Hoeven, who recommended Baesler for the position to Education Secretary Linda McMahon, released a statement following her confirmation.

Baesler's appointment was part of a broader Senate measure that included 108 civilian nominees who had been favorably reported out of committee. This group was considered en bloc due to what Republicans described as ongoing delays in the confirmation process caused by Senate Democrats. According to Hoeven, these delays affected all of President Trump’s civilian nominees, including those with bipartisan support.

“Kirsten Baesler is the right person for this job. Her career and experience have equipped her well for the responsibilities of the Assistant Secretary position, and she will be a great partner as we work to both improve outcomes for students and return decision-making to the state and local levels,” said Hoeven. “Her confirmation is long overdue. Thankfully, working together with my Senate Republican colleagues, we have created a path forward for overcoming Democratic obstruction and confirming these routine nominations, all of whom were approved by the committees of jurisdiction.”

The vote marks an effort by Senate Republicans to address what they view as procedural barriers in advancing presidential nominees through the chamber.