Sanders Clashes With Trump's FDA Nominee Over Universal Healthcare

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., clashed with President Donald Trump's nominee for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday, demanding Dr. Heidi Overton endorse universal healthcare as a human right. Overton, a physician with the America First Policy Institute, repeatedly declined to give a direct yes-or-no answer.

"Do you happen to believe that healthcare is a human right that should be available to every man, woman and child in our country?" Sanders asked, arguing that the U.S. is an outlier among major developed nations in not guaranteeing healthcare access. He cited thousands of deaths attributed to a lack of affordability and access.

Overton responded that access to healthcare is "very important" and stated her commitment to carrying out the FDA's responsibilities as vested by Congress. When Sanders pressed again, she reiterated her belief in providing patients with the "best care possible."

Sanders then shifted to prescription drug prices, questioning Trump's claim that the U.S. had moved from paying the world's highest prices to the lowest. Overton stated that 89% of branded drugs are covered by agreements aimed at lowering prices for American consumers. She cited "most-favored nation policies" and stated that Consumer Price Index (CPI) data indicates prescription drug prices have decreased by 3% for the first time in 60 years.

Sanders disputed the cause of the decline, suggesting it might be related to legislation passed by Congress in previous years. The exchange occurred against the backdrop of ongoing debates about Medicare for All and other government-run healthcare proposals, with implications for the upcoming midterm elections.