Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., sharply criticized eight Senate Democrats for voting with the Republican Party on a continuing resolution to fund the federal government. The procedural vote, which passed on Sunday, was denounced by Sanders as a ‘very, very bad vote’ that undermines healthcare access and working-class interests. He argued the measure includes harmful provisions that could raise healthcare premiums, cut Medicaid benefits, and provide tax breaks to the wealthy.
In his video posted to his X account, Sanders emphasized that the resolution would raise healthcare premiums for over 20 million Americans, with some cases seeing premiums double, triple, or even quadruple. He warned that without intervention, these rising costs could place significant financial strain on families already grappling with high healthcare expenses. Additionally, he highlighted that the policy could lead to the loss of Medicaid coverage for 15 million people, resulting in an estimated 50,000 preventable deaths annually.
Sanders also criticized the measure for its impact on the wealthiest Americans, stating it would provide a trillion dollars in tax breaks to the top 1%. He linked this to the recent election outcomes where voters expressed support for policies that oppose Trumpism and defend working-class interests. Sanders framed the vote not just as a procedural choice but as a broader policy stance that jeopardizes healthcare protections and economic equity.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) issued a warning that allowing the expanded Affordable Care Act subsidies to expire under the American Rescue Plan would significantly increase out-of-pocket costs for healthcare enrollees. Further, studies cited bySanders and his committee have highlighted the potential for tens of thousands of preventable deaths due to Medicaid cuts. His criticisms align with his long-standing opposition to Republican budget proposals, which he claims favor the wealthy over working-class Americans.
Sanders’ comments reflect a broader progressive push to address healthcare access and economic inequality. By condemning the procedural vote, he has positioned himself as a staunch advocate for policies that protect vulnerable populations and challenge the influence of corporate interests. His stance continues to emphasize the need for systemic change that prioritizes the needs of working families over the interests of the wealthiest Americans in the U.S. political landscape.