Mullin clashes with Sanders over ACA costs during Casey Means surgeon general hearing
The February 25, 2026 Senate HELP Committee hearing featured testimony from Casey Means, President Trump's nominee for Surgeon General. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) used his time to criticize the ACA as unaffordable and blame long-serving lawmakers like Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) for systemic problems, leading to a heated exchange where Sanders defended single-payer ideas and Mullin accused him of being part of the problem. Mullin also referenced a 2023 court ruling on Surgeon General Murthy and social media, defended questioning medical orthodoxy including on vaccines and autism, and praised root-cause approaches. Means outlined her focus on chronic disease prevention through whole foods and shifting incentives away from reactive care.
Source: Republic Vantage
