Sanders slams GOP 'hatred' on health care in hearing [View all]

BY NIV ELIS - 03/27/19 05:20 PM EDT

Excerpts:

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on Wednesday slammed Republicans over health care policies in their proposed budget, going after what he claimed to be a “hatred” of providing health coverage. Sanders, who is seeking the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, made the remarks in a Senate Budget Committee hearing largely dominated by health policy.

“I frankly do not understand why Republicans seem to have such a hatred toward providing health care to the American people,” said Sanders, who serves as ranking member of the panel.

Sanders was referring to the Senate GOP budget proposal, which assumed a complete repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Over a five-year period, the budget also calls for $281 billion in decreased spending to Medicaid, Children’s health insurance and ACA subsidies, and a $77 billion decrease in Medicare spending.

Sanders said the budget, if implemented, would also cut funds to nursing homes, pregnant women and new mothers, education and Social Security.

“I’m impressed by what you’re able to read into my budget,” Sen Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), the chairman of the panel, said with a chuckle.

“Accurate,” Sanders replied.

https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/436134-sanders-slams-gop-hatred-on-health-care-in-hearing