GOP Senator Alleges Schumer Behind 'Hit Job' Report on Former Patients

Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., has accused Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of orchestrating a "hit job" by the left-leaning media, referring to a recent New York Times report that detailed hundreds of lawsuits filed against patients of his former OB-GYN practice for unpaid medical bills, some of which led to arrests.

Marshall stated that he believes the report, which emerged during his tight re-election race in Kansas, was a politically motivated attack. "I think that Kansans look at a story like this and realize it's from something like the National Enquirer, that this is totally a hit job by left media, an article paid for by Chuck Schumer," Marshall told Fox News Digital.

The New York Times report alleged that Marshall and his lawyers filed lawsuits against over 700 patients for outstanding medical bills, charging an 18% annual interest rate. The report also stated that 81 patients were arrested for missing court dates, and the outlet interviewed some of those affected.

Marshall, who was an OB-GYN before entering Congress, defended his practice's policies, stating that once bills went to collections, he had no further involvement. "These were professional companies that did the collection processes," he said. Marshall noted that his practice accepted Medicaid and that many patients traveled long distances to receive care. He also mentioned that his office had standard procedures, typically waiting nine months to a year before considering collections, and that his staff allowed flexible payment plans. "So only a very small, small, small fraction of the unpaid bills even went to collections," he added.

Tyson Brody, a spokesperson for Marshall's Democratic opponent, Adam Hamilton, disputed Marshall's account. Brody stated that Marshall's own lawyer indicated Marshall specifically requested the 18% interest rate and permitted warrants, arrests, and garnishments. He highlighted cases where women, including expecting mothers, allegedly faced arrest or pressure to pay in full despite requesting payment plans.

Vice President JD Vance recently campaigned for Marshall, praising him as an ally to former President Donald Trump. However, Vance was interrupted by a protester referencing The New York Times report during his remarks.

Marshall expressed skepticism about the report's framing, suggesting that judges would not have allowed actions as described. "Our judges wouldn't do what they're describing in that article. There had to be something else going on," he said. He characterized the report as a "mischaracterization of the whole process."