Mr. President, we are at the beginning of the most profound technological revolution in world history, a revolution which will bring unimaginable changes to every aspect of our society. Artificial intelligence and robotics will impact our economy, our political lives, our privacy, our emotional well-being, our environment, and even our survival—the survival of humanity on this planet. The scale, scope, and speed of this change will be unprecedented. That is not the view of Bernie Sanders.
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, let me begin by thanking Senator Kelly not only for his remarks and his work as a U.S. Senator but for his service to our country in the military, and I very much appreciate his support for these resolutions. Mr. President, 60 percent of our people here in the United States live paycheck to paycheck. They are struggling to pay for groceries, for housing, for healthcare, and, increasingly, the ability to fill up their gas tanks in their cars in order to get to work. We also have a $37 trillion national debt.
Mr. President, at a time when our country faces unprecedented crises, the U.S. Senate has spent an entire week debating a problem that essentially does not exist. The goal of the SAVE Act, which is on the floor right now, is to make certain that noncitizens do not vote in American elections. I don't know that anyone disagrees with that. The good news is that noncitizens do not vote in American elections. Study after study has shown that the number of undocumented immigrants voting in American elections is virtually nonexistent. We are debating a problem that does not exist.
Mr. President, I ask to have printed in the Record some of the finalists' essays written by Vermont High School students as part of the 16th annual State of the Union Essay contest conducted by my office. The material follows: FINALISTS Piper Buczkowski, Missisquoi Valley Union High School, Junior In December of 2025, the Department of Homeland Security announced that there are more than 2.5 million illegal aliens being deported from the US. Allegedly, 1.9 million of those were self deportations.
Mr. President, since 2010, I have sponsored a State of the Union essay contest for Vermont high school students. This contest gives students in my State the opportunity to articulate what issues they would prioritize if they were President of the United States. This is the contest's 16th year, and I would like to congratulate the 418 students who participated. It is truly heartening to see so many young people engaged in finding solutions for the problems that face our country. To my mind, this is what democracy is all about.
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
Sen. Bernie Sanders FAQ
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