In an historic confirmation vote, the U.S. Senate voted today to confirm Dr. Rachel Levine as assistant Secretary for Health in the Department of Health and Human Services. The vote was 52 – 48 in favor of confirmation.
“I am honored that the U.S. Senate has voted in favor of my nomination to be Assistant Secretary for Health at the Department of Health and Human Services. I am grateful to President Biden and Vice President Harris for nominating me to this important post,” Dr. Levine said in a statement.
“In particular, I want to address transgender youth. I know that each and every day you confront many difficult challenges. Sadly, some of the challenges you face are from people who would seek to use your identity and circumstance as a weapon. It hurts. I know. I cannot promise you that these attacks will immediately cease, but I will do everything I can to support you and advocate for you. President Obama often reminded us that not all progress goes in a straight line. What I can tell you is that there is a place for you in America and in our government. Our ‘more perfect union’ includes you, too.”
Dr. Levine is now the first ever openly trans federal official confirmed by the U.S. Senate.