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 vote on the U.S. Senate floor, which despite its significance took place with little fanfare after senators largely discussed issues than Levine serving as assistant secretary of health, was along party lines and 52-48.
Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) presided over the confirmation. Levine in a statement following her confirmation thanked President Biden for the nomination and the Senate, recognizing the importance of her appointment to LGBTQ people. “As I prepare to