Sen. Deb Fischer announced Thursday she will vote for Donald Trump's pick for secretary of education, Betsy DeVos.
"While I do not agree with Mrs. DeVos on every issue, I do believe she has the ability and commitment to lead the department," the Nebraska senator said.
"Moreover, I have received assurances from her in writing that the Department of Education will not impose new federal mandates related to vouchers on our schools," she said.
DeVos also has "made a commitment to me in writing that she will work to protect all students, especially those with disabilities," Fischer said.Ìý
There was interest in Fischer's decision after two Republican senators vowed Wednesday to vote against DeVos, leaving Democrats one vote shy of the number needed to doom her nomination.
Thursday, Fischer's office was reportedly inundated with calls.
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At one point she tweeted: "It’s all hands on deck in my offices answering phones. If you are a Nebraskan who can’t get through, try my website."
After Fischer announced her decision, opponents started a petition at calling for her resignation. And a group called Indivisible Omaha announced a protest rally at 4:30 p.m. Friday at Fischer's Omaha office.
Wednesday, Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine signaled they do not plan to support DeVos.
Both senators cited uncertainty about whether DeVos, an avid supporter of charter schools and school vouchers, is sufficiently committed to helping public schools.