Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) spoke before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions today to introduce former Small Business Administration Director Linda McMahon, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Education.
During her remarks, Senator Britt emphasized concerns about the state of the current education system, arguing that reforms are necessary to better serve students and parents. She described McMahon as a “change agent” who could realign federal education policies to prioritize parental involvement and workforce readiness.
“It is clear that our current education system isn’t working,” Britt stated. “The status quo in education just hasn’t failed students, it’s failed parents, just like me . . . Our students deserve better. Our parents deserve better. We have to do something different in order to achieve a different result.”
Britt criticized past Department of Education policies, expressing concerns over school closures, parental rights, and curriculum content. She also spoke about her opposition to policies allowing transgender athletes to participate in women’s sports.
In her endorsement, Britt highlighted McMahon’s background in both business and education policy. McMahon previously led the Small Business Administration under the Trump administration and has served on the Connecticut State Board of Education and the Sacred Heart University Board.
Britt also pointed to McMahon’s support for expanding workforce training opportunities, apprenticeships, and credentialing programs as an alternative to traditional four-year college degrees.
“Attending a four-year college or university is the right path for many Americans, but it’s not the only one available to graduating high schoolers, and Linda will ensure that students know that,” Britt said. “That means strengthening 21st-century skills training and job preparedness, bridging the gap between technical school programs and industries, and expanding apprenticeships and credentialing programs.”
McMahon’s nomination comes amid ongoing debates over the federal government’s role in education policy. If confirmed, she would oversee policies affecting K-12 and higher education institutions nationwide.
Britt concluded her remarks by urging the Senate to confirm McMahon, stating that her leadership would help “preserve the American Dream” and shift decision-making power in education toward parents and state governments.
The Senate committee will continue its review process before advancing McMahon’s nomination for a full Senate vote.
