Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) clashed Wednesday during a contentious discussion about the Affordable Care Act at a Senate hearing for President Trump’s surgeon general nominee, Casey Means.
“When we start talking about health care not being affordable, the ranking member and I actually agree on that,” Mullin said, referring to Sanders, who chairs the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. “The problem is you supported the same tools that got us to where health care is unaffordable because ACA affordable health care, which is completely unaffordable, has risen three times faster than inflation itself — yet, we still support it. Not ‘we,’ you ...”
“I support a national health care program which can cut the cost —” the Vermont senator fired back. Mullin declared it was his moment to speak, prompting Sanders to shout, “But you’re attacking me.”
The Oklahoma Republican continued his lengthy rant by blaming Sanders for why the health care system is in shambles and “100% not affordable.” Mullin then criticized Sanders for not admitting ACA “doesn’t work” and for “chastising” any lawmakers who try to “make changes.”
“God forbid we change and go after and try to fix our broken system,” Mullin said before adding that he had “ranted too long.”
