Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) clashed Wednesday during a contentious discussion about the Affordable Care Act at a Senate hearing for President Trump’s surgeon general nominee, Casey Means.

“When we start talking about health care not being affordable, the ranking member and I actually agree on that,” Mullin said, referring to Sanders, who chairs the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. “The problem is you supported the same tools that got us to where health care is unaffordable because ACA affordable health care, which is completely unaffordable, has risen three times faster than inflation itself — yet, we still support it. Not ‘we,’ you ...”

“I support a national health care program which can cut the cost —” the Vermont senator fired back. Mullin declared it was his moment to speak, prompting Sanders to shout, “But you’re attacking me.”

The Oklahoma Republican continued his lengthy rant by blaming Sanders for why the health care system is in shambles and “100% not affordable.” Mullin then criticized Sanders for not admitting ACA “doesn’t work” and for “chastising” any lawmakers who try to “make changes.”

“God forbid we change and go after and try to fix our broken system,” Mullin said before adding that he had “ranted too long.”

“Yes, you did,” Sanders jabbed, which set the wheels in motion for a lengthy response from Mullin.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t ask your opinion on that. And if I cared about your opinion, I would ask you, but I don’t care about your opinion,” he responded, claiming Sanders is “part of the system” and “part of the problem.”

“You’ve been sitting here longer than I’ve even been alive,” Mullin continued. “This is your problem. You should have fixed this a long time ago ... What have you been doing?”

“I decided not to run for surgeon general,” Sanders replied. He then gestured to Means and said, “You’re the nominee. I’ve decided not to accept that nominee.”

“That is definitely something we would never accept,” replied Mullin, referring to Sanders’ comment about not running for surgeon general.

The two lawmakers have some history. Late last year, the pair butted heads on the Senate floor after Sanders blocked a bipartisan kids’ cancer research bill. The former presidential candidate wanted to amend the bill to include funding for community health centers.

Mullin, who brought the bill to the floor, accused Sanders of “literally killing kids in front of us because of his political movement.”

By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.