Dr Rachel Levine, who was nominated by US President Joe Biden for the position of Assistant Secretary of Health in January, was given the final nod by the US Senate on Wednesday after a close vote. Levine, who set the benchmark for inclusivity in the United States political sphere, is the first openly transgender official to be confirmed by the Senate.

The final voting outcome stood at a close call of 52-48. Two Republican lawmakers,  Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins crossed party lines to vote in favour of Levine, who has previously held the position of Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Health. 

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Democratic Senator and majority leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement after the confirmation, “The confirmation of Rachel Levine represents another important milestone for the American LGBTQ community. As transgender Americans suffer higher rates of abuse, homelessness and depression than almost every other group, it’s important to have national figures like Dr Levine who by virtue of being in the public spotlight will help break down barriers of ignorance and fear,” reported CNN. 

“Dr Rachel Levine will bring the steady leadership and essential expertise we need to get people through this pandemic — no matter their zip code, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability — and meet the public health needs of our country in this critical moment and beyond,” Biden said in a statement while announcing the 64-year-old’s nomination earlier this year. 

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Levine is a graduate of Harvard and Tulane Medical School. She also serves as Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry at the Pennsylvania State College of Medicine.