Donald Trump's choice to be next education secretary in the US has cleared a major hurdle in the Senate despite vigorous opposition from Democrats.
Senators voted 52-48 to cut off debate on Betsy DeVos before dawn on Friday, setting the stage for a final confirmation vote next week.
Ms DeVos is a billionaire Republican donor and school choice activist.
Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer, of New York, calls her "one of the worst nominees".
Mr Schumer said: "Ms DeVos does not deserve to be secretary of education."
President Trump's nominee has spent more than two decades promoting charter schools across the country.
Her nomination has come under fierce criticism from labour unions, who accuse her of seeking to dismantle public education.
Two key Republican senators have also announced their opposition to Ms DeVos.
