Mr. President, in the United States today, 42 million Americans are drowning in $1.7 trillion in student debt--42 million Americans, $1.7 trillion in student debt. Further, a recordbreaking 9 million Americans are now in default on their student loans. Instead of providing financial relief to these Americans, the Trump administration is about to make a bad situation even worse.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatD+100$21.3M raised
Bernie Sanders
Senator · Vermont · Independent
Bernie Sanders
Medicare for All · Tax the Billionaires · College for All · Green New Deal
Senate Floor
Recent comments in the Senate
Mr. President, a couple of years ago, as you may recall, there was a movie--a film--that came out called ``Don't Look Up,'' starring Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio. The film was about a large comet heading to Earth that would destroy the entire planet, and the astronomers who discovered the comet kept trying to gain the attention of people and explain to them what was happening and the need for immediate and bold action to save the planet. In that movie, they failed, and the planet was destroyed. That was a movie.
Mr. President, I want to say a few words about what I consider to be one of the most important issues not only facing our country but facing the world, and that is the advent of artificial intelligence, which most experts agree will almost certainly be the most transformational technology in the history of humanity. It will profoundly impact the lives of every man, woman, and child in our country.
Biography
Bernie Sanders began his public service career as the mayor of Burlington, Vermont, known for his advocacy on behalf of working families. Elected as U.S. Senator for Vermont in 2006, Sanders has focused on expanding access to healthcare, reducing economic inequality, and combating climate change. He introduced the Medicare for All Act and serves as chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. Sanders approaches his work with a direct, grassroots style, aiming to amplify the voices of ordinary Vermonters and influence national policy debates.
Education
- B.S. in Political Science, University of Chicago1964
Professional History
U.S. Senator
2007–PresentSenator from Vermont. 4 terms.
U.S. Representative
1991–2007Represented Vermont (at-large district) for 8 terms.
Mayor of Burlington, Vermont
1981–1989Served four terms as the 37th mayor of Burlington after being first elected as an independent in 1981.
Liberty Union Party Candidate for Governor of Vermont
1972–1976Ran as the Liberty Union Party nominee for governor of Vermont in the 1972 and 1976 elections.
Organizer, United Packinghouse Workers of America
Briefly worked as an organizer for the United Packinghouse Workers of America while in Chicago.
Head Start Teacher and Psychiatric Aide
After college, worked in New York City in positions including Head Start teacher and psychiatric aide.
Policy Focus
International Affairs15%
Health12%
Taxation6%
Labor and Employment6%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Bernie Sanders's record in Congress.
Veterans' Access to Care
Co-authored the 2014 Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act to improve VA healthcare services.
Community Health Centers Funding
Secured billions in federal funding for community health centers as part of the Affordable Care Act negotiations.
Audit the Federal Reserve
Passed an amendment in 2010 requiring the first-ever audit of the Federal Reserve’s emergency lending during the financial crisis.
Expansion of Rural Broadband
Helped secure federal investments to expand broadband internet access in rural Vermont communities.
Committee Assignments
View details →- Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and PensionsRanking Member
- Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works
- Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs
- Senate Committee on the Budget
- Senate Committee on Finance
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