From KCRW in Santa Monica and PRI, Public Radio International, this is To the Point.

Washington's role in public education.

Hello again, I'm Aran Alney, and this is To the Point.

Betsy DeVos, the billionaire nominee for Secretary of Education wants vouchers so parents can use public money for tuition at private schools.

Democratic senators ask if that really helps poor and minority students, and they've challenged her experience and knowledge of law.

We'll focus on public education, but that's just one of the issues being raised on Capitol Hill as Republican scheduled confirmation hearings simultaneously.

Among the questions raised,

potential financial conflicts of interest for DeVos

and Donald Trump's nominee to oversee repeal of Obamacare.

On our talking point later, Trump's choice to lead the EPA

and the new administration's regard or disregard for science.

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Hello again, Warrenalny, back with To The Poids. Senators are dashing from one hearing room to another today, as committees take up Donald Trump's cabinet nominees.

We'll focus on Washington's role in public education.

On our talking point later, the nominee for the EPA has filed 19 lawsuits against the agencies he's supposed to lead,

and scientists worry they won't be taken seriously when it comes to environmental pollution or climate change.

One of today's hearings was for George's Republican Congressman Tom Price,

an orthopedic surgeon who's nominated to be Secretary of Health and Human Services.

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