Democratic Senator Patty Murray, chair of the Committee on Health, Education and Pensions, reprimanded IDP Senator Rand Paul, saying he had made ‘harmful misrepresentations’ after apparently equating gender reassignment surgery with ‘gender mutilation’.
Paul began his interrogation by saying, “Gender mutilation is almost universally condemned,” and then said, “Dr. Levine, do you believe that minors are capable of making such a life-changing decision as changing a gender?”
Levine responded by saying: “Transgender medicine is a very complex and nuanced field with strong research and standards of care developed. If I am lucky enough to be confirmed as the Assistant Secretary of Health, I will look forward to it. to work with you and come to your office and to your office and discuss the details of the standards of care for transgender medicine. ‘
Later, Murray criticized the interrogation and told Levine: “I appreciate your thoughtful and medically informed response to Senator Paul’s questions earlier in the trial. It is very important to me that our nominees are treated with respect and that we questions focus on their qualifications and the work ahead rather than on ideological and damaging misconceptions like the ones we heard earlier from sen Paul, and I will focus on that as chair of this committee. ‘
Levine previously served as Pennsylvania’s health secretary under Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf.
“Dr. Rachel Levine will provide the steady leadership and essential expertise we need to get people through this pandemic – regardless of their zip code, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability – and in the public health needs of our country in this critical moment and beyond, “Biden said in a statement on the nomination when it was announced.” She is a historic and deeply qualified choice to lead our administration’s health efforts. “
The hearing to consider Levine’s nomination comes on the same day that the House is expected to vote on the Equality Act, which would amend the 1964 Civil Rights Act to protect people from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing and other services. as well as access to public accommodation such as restaurants.
As surgeon-general under President Barack Obama, Murthy helped lead the national response to the Ebola and Zika viruses and the opioid crisis, including health challenges. If confirmed, Murthy would be ready to play a key role in the Biden government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
A number of nominees nominated by the Obama administration have appeared in the Senate confirmation hearings this week, including the nominated Attorney General Merrick Garland, the nominated Home Secretary Deb Haaland, and the nominee Xavier Becerra , Secretary for Health and Human Services.
Levine is not the only historical choice of Biden’s government.
Earlier this month, the Senate confirmed Alejandro Mayorkas as Secretary of Homeland Security, the first Latino and immigrant to serve in the department, and Pete Buttigieg as Transport Secretary, making him the first LGBTQ cabinet secretary to be confirmed by the Senate. .
CNN’s Daniella Diaz, Chandelis Duster and Kate Sullivan contributed to this report.