The U.S. Senate on Wednesday confirmed the nomination of Rachel Levine, President Joe Biden’s pick as assistant secretary of health. Levine is the first transgender person to be confirmed by the Senate as a presidential appointee. Two Republicans, Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, joined Democrats in confirming Levine’s appointment. Levine recognized the historic significance of her appointment. “As I prepare to take my oath of office and begin serving as assistant secretary for health, I would like to take this opportunity to address members of the LGBTQ community,” Levine said in a statement. “First, thank you. Only through your work and advocacy over many decades is my story possible. I am humbled to be the first transgender individual to serve in a Senate-confirmed position. As Vice President Harris has said, I recognize that I may be the first, but am heartened by the knowledge that I will not be the last.”