The Senate confirmed Dr. Rachel Levine in a 52-48 vote to be assistant secretary of health for the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Her confirmation makes her the first openly transgender person to pass the Senate, as well as the highest-ranking transgender federal authority.
Levine was previously Pennsylvania’s secretary of health, where she led the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and worked on programs to combat the opioid, HIV and hepatitis C crisis and addressing LGBTQ health equity. She was also former president of the Association of Territorial and State Health Officials (ASTHO) – a nonprofit organization that represents public health agencies in all 50 states, US territories, DC and the three freely associated states.
As deputy health secretary, she will work under Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, who was confirmed by the Senate last week, and is likely to play a key role in the treatment of the coronavirus by the federal government. She joins a cabinet that includes many other “first”, including Becerra, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, Secretary of Transport Pete Buttigieg, Head of EPA Michael Regan and U.S. commercial envoy Katherine Tai.
Senator Patty Murray of Washington tweeted after the vote, “.@SecretaryLevine has been at the forefront of this pandemic, which is why it knows firsthand what our states and communities need @HHSGov to face future challenges and put an end to them. Thankfully, her historic appointment was confirmed today so she can start work. “
Republican senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins joined all Democrats in approving Levine, who was nominated by President Biden in January. In a January 19 statement, he said: “Dr. Rachel Levine will bring the stable leadership and essential experience we need to help people overcome this pandemic – no matter their zip code, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability – and address our country’s public health needs at this critical time and beyond. It is a historic and deeply qualified choice to help lead our administration’s health efforts. “
In his own statement after his appointment, Levine said: “I look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania, and all Americans, as part of the Biden government, if I am fortunate enough to be confirmed for this position. “
After his confirmation, the Association of State and Territory Health Officers congratulated Levine on Twitter:
Levine graduated from Harvard College and Tulane University School of Medicine, and completed his training in pediatrics and teen medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.