A tense exchange unfolded between Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., during a discussion on the future of the nation’s healthcare system, with Mullin arguing that the Affordable Care Act has failed to deliver on its promises and calling for a new approach alongside President Donald Trump.
Mullin began by urging lawmakers to reexamine the current system.
"And let's go after it. Let's look at it. Let's question what we're doing. Let's look at the healthcare system. We can agree on that one," Mullin said.
He added that while there may be agreement on problems within healthcare, he opposed government-run healthcare.
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"I just don't want to socialize it, but we can agree that it is absolutely not affordable. 100% not affordable, yet it was supposed to be affordable. That's what we sold by Obamacare," he said.
Mullin proposed scrapping the Affordable Care Act and working with President Trump to create a different framework.
"So how about we work together and say, Hey, so scrap ACA, admit it doesn't work. And Mitch, you guys made a mistake, and let's work at something with President Trump to make affordable healthcare healthy and affordable for everybody," Mullin said.
He then criticized Democratic lawmakers for opposing reform efforts.
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"But there's zero chance you guys could do that. Zero chance you had. Everybody we bring up here you guys chastised for trying to make changes. God forbid we change and go after us and try to fix our broken system. Anyways, I ranted too long. Let's talk about some..." Mullin said.
Sanders responded briefly.
"Yes. You did," Sanders said.
Mullin pushed back on the interruption.
"I'm sorry I didn't ask your opinion on that. And if I cared about you, I would ask you, but I don't care about your opinion. You're part of the system. You're part of the problem. You've been sitting here longer than I've even been alive. This is your problem. You should have fixed this a long time ago. You've been rel on it so long. What have you been doing about it?" Mullin said.
Sanders answered with a pointed remark.
"I've decided not to run for Surgeon General, you're the nominee. I've decided not to accept that nomination," Sanders said.
Mullin responded in kind.
"That is definitely something that we would never accept," Mullin said.
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