Sanders Says Guaranteed Healthcare Vote Not Enough to Reopen Government, Warns of Potential Deaths
Senator Bernie Sanders stated today that a guaranteed vote on Democratic healthcare priorities is insufficient to resolve the current government shutdown, expressing deep concern over the state of the U.S. healthcare system and potential consequences for vulnerable populations.
Speaking on CBS Mornings, the Vermont independent cited rising health insurance premiums due to expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits and restrictions within legislation enacted earlier this year – previously referred to as President Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” – as key factors. Sanders argued these changes will lead to thousands of preventable deaths, particularly among lower-income Americans reliant on Medicaid. “Before I vote on a bill that will, right now, allow 50,000 people to die unnecessarily, yeah, I want it absolutely clear that that will not happen, period,” he said.
Sanders dismissed an offer from Senate Majority Leader John Thune to hold a vote on the tax credits as “no good,” explaining that even if passed by the Senate, the legislation could be vetoed by the President or stalled in the House. He pointed to the House Speaker’s decision to grant members a five-week vacation as evidence of a lack of seriousness in addressing the crisis. This shutdown impacts numerous federal services, including national parks and some federal employee paychecks. For more information on government shutdowns, see USA.gov’s resource page.
The Senator further criticized Senate Republicans for refusing to negotiate until the government is reopened, calling their approach “unprecedented” and “our way or the highway.” He emphasized that because Republicans require Democratic support to pass funding legislation, they have a responsibility to engage in good-faith negotiations. You can find details on current Senate proceedings on the Senate website.
Sanders indicated he will not support a bill without a firm commitment that the healthcare provisions will be protected, and officials stated they will continue to seek a resolution through negotiation.
