The man in charge of Connecticut schools was on Capitol Hill Wednesday to make his case to become President Joe Biden's education secretary.

Connecticut Education Commissioner Dr. Miguel Cardona aggressively pushed to keep children in the classroom, and he promised to do the same thing nationwide during the hearing.

"We will work to reopen schools safely so that students can return to classrooms," he says.

In Connecticut, Cardona mostly made it happen. He also helped get laptops to every child who needed one.

"He'll be an advocate for teachers who are stressed and strained during this time, as never before," says said. Richard Blumenthal.

Cardona says teachers must get vaccinated soon, but in Connecticut - they still don't know when that will happen.

In Washington, Cardona faces a fight over Biden's plan to roll back student loan debt.

"I will oppose any effort to simply move debt from borrowers onto taxpayers," said Sen. Richard Burr.

Republican senators also grilled Cardona on policy when it comes to transgender athletes.

Connecticut is facing a federal lawsuit from three girls who run track. They say athletes born biologically male have an unfair advantage.

"What do you think in general about boys running in girls track meets, like they've been doing in Connecticut?" asked Sen. Rand Paul.

"I think it's the legal responsibility of schools to provide opportunities for students to participate in activities, and this includes students who are transgender," Cardona hit back.

"Frankly, you know, some boy that's 6-foot-2 competing against my 5-foot-4 niece doesn't sound very fair," Paul said.

If he's confirmed, Cardona could have a big impact on that transgender lawsuit. President Donald Trump's education secretary sided with the girls who are suing.