Sanders, Mullin butt heads in surgeon general confirmation hearing
The Hill
by Sophie BramsFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) clashed with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) during a Senate confirmation hearing for President Trump’s surgeon general nominee, Casey Means, on Tuesday. The tension arose when Mullin criticized Obamacare, leading to a heated exchange between the two lawmakers. Mullin used his time at the hearing to criticize what he described as a “broken” health care system, which he blamed in part on the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Sanders, a prominent advocate for healthcare reform, defended the ACA and emphasized its importance in providing coverage to millions of Americans.
Mullin’s comments appeared to be directed not just at the healthcare law but also at Sanders himself. The Oklahoma senator has been a vocal critic of Obamacare, arguing that it has failed to deliver on its promises of affordable, quality care. He repeatedly attacked what he called the “failed policies” of the ACA, which he said have left many Americans struggling with high costs and limited access to healthcare. Meanwhile, Sanders, who played a key role in shaping the ACA during his time in Congress, pushed back against Mullin’s claims, highlighting the law’s successes in expanding coverage and reducing the number of uninsured individuals.
The exchange underscored the deep political divides over healthcare policy in Washington. For Mullin, Obamacare represents everything wrong with progressive policies aimed at expanding access to care. For Sanders, it is a cornerstone of his vision for a more equitable healthcare system. The clash during Means’ confirmation hearing highlighted how even routine Senate proceedings can become flashpoints for broader debates over healthcare and the role of government in addressing societal challenges.
This confrontation matters because it reflects the ongoing struggle over healthcare reform in the U.S. WhileMeans’ nomination is unlikely to spark significant controversy on its own, the exchange between Mullin and Sanders highlights the partisan divides that continue to shape the national conversation about health care. For readers interested in politics and policy, this incident provides insight into how even a relatively low-profile hearing can reveal the underlying tensions between different visions for the future of healthcare in America.
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/25/2026