Jim Kane was the Secretary of Health and Education from 1999 to 2007. In 2002, Sam Seaborn wanted Kane to read a statement when he found out that the United States was trailing over 18 countries in reading and math. In May 2003, Kane was present at an emergency Cabinet meeting where President Josiah Bartlet temporarily gave up his power to Acting President Glen Allen Walken. In late 2006, C.J. Cregg suggested that Kane could help President-elect Matt Santos and upcoming First Lady Helen Santos find a good Washington, DC school for their children.