Washington, D.C. — On Wednesday, a bipartisan group of lawmakers in the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Dr. Rachel Levine as the next assistant secretary for health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She is the first openly transgender American ever to be confirmed by the Senate to a position in the federal government.
In response to Dr. Levine’s confirmation, Winnie Stachelberg, executive vice president for External Affairs at the Center for American Progress, released the following statement:
Dr. Rachel Levine’s appointment reflects her years of competent, effective stewardship as the top public health official in the state of Pennsylvania. A long track record of success, amid the largest public health crisis in a century, speaks to her unimpeachable qualifications for the job.
Her confirmation also marks a historic milestone in the push for a federal government that reflects and celebrates the diversity of its citizenry. Dr. Levine’s status as the highest-ranking openly transgender official to hold a position in the federal government demonstrates that representation in public spaces matters. CAP applauds Dr. Levine’s confirmation and looks forward to her continued leadership on behalf of the American people.
For more information on CAP’s work on LGBTQ rights or to speak with an expert, please contact Adam Peck at [email protected].