Alabama officials celebrate confirmation of two Trump nominees from the state

(U.S. Senate, Sen. Katie Britt/Instagram, YHN)

The U.S. Senate has confirmed a slate of 107 nominees from President Donald Trump, including two Alabamians tapped for key federal roles.

By a vote of 51-47, the Senate confirmed Lynda Blanchard to serve as the U.S. Representative to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture, with the rank of ambassador.

Blanchard, an Alabama native, previously served as the U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia from 2019 to 2021.

In a separate 51-47 vote, senators also confirmed Dr. Brian Christine as Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

According to the Center for Reproductive Rights, the Assistant Secretary for Health serves as the primary advisor to the HHS Secretary on matters involving the nation’s public health and is responsible for the department’s strategic and policy direction.

Christine, a urologist with Urology Centers of Alabama in Birmingham, advanced through the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee earlier this year.

Alabama’s U.S. Senators, Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt, praised the confirmations. The Senators played a key role in their nomination and confirmation process.

“The Senate just confirmed another 107 of President Trump’s nominees, including Alabama’s Lindy Blanchard as Ambassador to the UN for Food and Agriculture and Dr. Brian Christine as Assistant Secretary for Health at HHS,” Tuberville (R-Auburn) said.

“I know they will make Alabama proud.”

Britt (R-Montgomery) also praised the appointments, calling them a testament to Alabama’s continued leadership and service at the federal level.

Other Alabama leaders offered their congratulations as well.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].