Senator Bernie Sanders delivered a statement during a Senate Committee hearing on the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Sanders, serving as the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pension (HELP), highlighted several issues concerning America’s healthcare system.
Sanders began by acknowledging Kennedy’s initiative to “Make America Healthy Again,” expressing agreement with the sentiment. He pointed out that despite being a wealthy nation, the United States lags in life expectancy compared to other major countries. Sanders remarked on the disparity in life expectancy between working-class and wealthy individuals and noted that 68,000 people die annually because they cannot afford medical care.
The senator also criticized the current state of healthcare where many Americans face financial ruin due to medical expenses, particularly those battling cancer. He called for reforms to address what he described as a “broken, corrupt health care system.” Referencing President Kennedy and Senator Bobby Kennedy’s stance that healthcare is a human right, Sanders emphasized the need to challenge insurance and drug companies to ensure universal healthcare access.
Sanders raised concerns about prescription drug costs, noting that one in four Americans cannot afford their medications. He mentioned progress under President Biden in allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices and questioned whether President Trump would continue this effort.
Additionally, Sanders addressed the lack of guaranteed paid family and medical leave in the U.S., pointing out how it affects new mothers who must return to work shortly after childbirth. He advocated for raising the minimum wage so that full-time workers do not live in poverty.
On climate change, Sanders criticized President Trump’s views on the issue and stressed its impact on public health through extreme weather events. While acknowledging that climate change falls outside HHS’s jurisdiction, he urged Kennedy to advocate for action against climate change if confirmed.
“Thank you, Mr. Chairman,” concluded Sanders at the end of his remarks.
