Rachel Levine becomes first transgender official confirmed by Senate
Rachel Levine testifies at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee in February 2021. Photo: Caroline Brehman-Pool/Getty Images
The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Rachel Levine as assistant secretary for health at the Department of Health and Human Services.
Why it matters: Levine is the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The vote was 52-48.
Background: Levine, who is a graduate of Harvard and Tulane Medical School, has helped lead Pennsylvania's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She previously served as the state's physician general.
What they're saying: “Dr. Rachel Levine will bring the steady leadership and essential expertise we need to get people through this pandemic — no matter their zip code, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability — and meet the public health needs of our country in this critical moment and beyond,” Biden said at the time of her nomination.
- “She is a historic and deeply qualified choice to help lead our administration’s health efforts,” he added.
Editor's note: This story has been updated throughout.