Dr. Rachel Levine made history on Wednesday by becoming the first openly transgender person to obtain Senate confirmation as a presidential appointee, sending an unprecedented signal gender identity is not a barrier for obtaining a position in the highest levels of government.
The March 24 vote on the U.S. Senate floor, which despite its significance took place with little fanfare after senators largely discussed issues other than Levine serving as assistant secretary of health, was largely along party lines and 52-48.
Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada) presided over the confirmation vote. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) joined Democrats in voting to confirm Levine.