Senators Clash Over Health Care Criticism
During a hearing on Wednesday, Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin from Oklahoma took aim at independent Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont, arguing that Sanders hasn’t done enough to enhance the health care system throughout his long tenure in Congress.
Sanders, who spent time in the House from 1991 to 2007 and has been serving in the Senate since then, faced this critique as he candidly admitted to going on an extensive rant during the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee’s hearing, which was centered around the nomination of Dr. Casey Means for Surgeon General.
Mullin expressed his frustration, stating, “I’m sorry, I didn’t ask your opinion on that. And if I cared about your opinion, I’d ask you. But frankly, I don’t care. You’ve been a part of the system, part of the problem. You’ve been here longer than I’ve been alive—this is your responsibility. What have you achieved?”
In response, Sanders pointed out that he hadn’t chosen to become Surgeon General.
Mullin retorted firmly, “That is definitely something we will never accept.”
Additionally, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. directed his criticism towards Democratic Senator Patty Murray from Washington, claiming she has overseen a noticeable decline in health outcomes for Americans. This discussion took place during the Senate Appropriations Committee meeting on May 20th.
“Let me remind you, Senator, you’ve been in this position for 32 years. During that time, the health of the American people has deteriorated,” Kennedy asserted. “We’re now among the sickest populations globally because of your inaction. What have you done to tackle the chronic disease epidemic?”
President Donald Trump had previously announced his nomination of Means in a post on May 7, expressing that they will work closely to address health issues, stating, “Casey has an impeccable MAHA. I will collaborate with our dedicated Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to effectively reverse the chronic disease epidemic and foster better health for all Americans in the future.”
