GOP senator blasts Bernie Sanders over rising health care costs: 'Three times faster than inflation'

WASHINGTON, DC: A heated argument erupted during a US Senate hearing this week.

Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin directly accused Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of being responsible for the broken and unaffordable state of the American health care system.

Senate clash erupts over ACA health care costs

“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 ”

Mullin launched into a pointed critique of the ACA, legislation that Sanders has supported, arguing it failed to achieve its goals and instead made care more costly for Americans.

“I support a national health care program which can cut the cost” the Vermont senator fired back. Mullin declared it was his time to speak, prompting Sanders to shout, “But you’re attacking me.”

Mullin then criticized Sanders for not admitting the ACA “doesn’t work” and for “chastising” any lawmakers who try to “make changes.”

Senate hearing erupts as Markwayne Mullin clashes with Berine Sanders

“God forbid we change and go after and try to fix our broken system,” Mullin said before adding that he had “ranted too long.”

Sanders fired back, defending his support for broader health coverage and a national health care program, insisting that rising costs require systemic reform rather than finger-pointing.

“Yes, you did,” Sanders jabbed, which set the stage for a lengthy response from Mullin.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t ask your opinion on that. And if I cared about your opinion, I would ask you, but I don’t care about your opinion,” he responded, claiming Sanders is “part of the system” and “part of the problem.”

“I decided not to run for surgeon general,” Sanders replied. He then gestured to Means and said, “You’re the nominee. I’ve decided not to accept that nominee.”

“That is definitely something we would never accept,” replied Mullin, referring to Sanders’ comment about not running for surgeon general.

The tension between the two senators reached a breaking point as Mullin criticized Sanders, suggesting he is part of the system that, in his opinion, is failing families across the country. Sanders quickly responded with his own arguments, highlighting the partisan divide and the significant disagreements surrounding national health care discussions.

Both lawmakers have often clashed publicly over the strengths and weaknesses of the US health care system.

Sanders has long pushed for broader national programs to lower costs, while many Republicans, including Mullin, believe that gradual market-based reforms and removing specific ACA provisions are necessary to manage rising expenses.