The Republican party is expected to support President Joe Biden’s choice for the head of the National Institutes of Health, although Senator ____ will not be among those voting in favor.Bernie Sanders.

Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont expressed frustration with President Biden’s lack of action towards reducing drug prices and stated that he will not support the confirmation of Dr. Monica Bertagnolli during the upcoming vote in the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, which Sanders chairs.

60

Two Republican senators, 60, however.Mitt Romney of Utah and Susan Collins

According to sources from Maine, they have stated to POLITICO that they will cast a vote to approve her.

3 of the panel’s 10 Republicans

Seven out of the 10 Democrats on the panel and three out of the 10 Republicans on the panel.Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) and Ed Markey

Several individuals, including (D-Mass.), have publicly expressed their support.

If two or more of the remaining three Democrats join them – possibly fewer depending on the number of Republicans who vote in favor – Bertagnolli will progress, granting approval from the Majority Leader.Chuck Schumer

(Democratic Representative from New York) to arrange a vote on the Senate/House floor.

The organization has been lacking a leader since December 2021, after Dr. Francis Collins resigned.

On Tuesday, Sanders expressed that although Bertagnolli is a capable and compassionate individual, he doubts her ability to confront the avarice and influence of pharmaceutical companies and the healthcare industry in advocating for the necessary changes within the NIH during this crucial time.

Sanders stated that he would not attempt to influence the decisions of his fellow committee members. He believes that this vote should be based on personal beliefs and values.

When questioned about Sanders’ resistance, a representative from the White House referred to the actions the administration has implemented to decrease the prices of medication.

21st Century Cures Act.”

The Senator’s worries about the cost of medication are also echoed by the President. This is demonstrated by his approval of the 21st Century Cures Act.Inflation Reduction Act

“The email stated that this is the most significant legislation tackling the expensive prices of prescription drugs.”

deal with drug companies.

The appointment of the National Cancer Institute director to lead the NIH has been on hold since earlier this year. Senator Sanders had promised to block President Biden’s health nominees until the White House took steps to lower drug prices. In September, Sanders changed his mind and decided to schedule a hearing for Bertagnolli after the government reached an agreement with pharmaceutical companies.

handle the biotechnology corporation known as Regeneron that included a reasonable pricing clause for a Covid therapy it’s developing with federal assistance.

At her confirmation hearing last week, Bertagnolli informed Sanders that she would strive to make sure that the advantages of NIH research are accessible and reasonably priced. However, she did not make any promises regarding a particular strategy for tackling drug costs.

On Monday, Sanders requested an inquiry into the NIH two days prior to the committee vote. He wrote a letter to the inspector general of Health and Human Services, urging an investigation into a patent license that the agency was considering granting to a company linked to a former NIH staff member for a cervical cancer treatment that was developed by the agency.