In Historic First, Senate Confirms HHS Official Rachel Levine

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The US Senate has confirmed Rachel Levine as the first out transgender federal official to serve as the Biden administration’s assistant secretary for health at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Senators voted 52-48 on March 24 in favor of Levine’s confirmation — and while most Republicans voted against Levine, two women Republican Senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, confirmed Levine.