Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SR837

Introduced

9/23/24

Caption

An original resolution authorizing the President of the Senate to certify the report of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate regarding the refusal of Dr. Ralph de la Torre to appear and testify before the Committee.

Impact

If enacted, SR837 would enforce the authority of congressional committees to compel testimony in investigations, which is vital for legislative oversight and accountability. It reinforces the principle that individuals subpoenaed by Congress are legally required to comply unless there are substantial legal grounds for refusal. This outcome aims to uphold the integrity of congressional inquiries, particularly in the health care sector where transparency is crucial for public trust and regulatory effectiveness.

Summary

SR837 is a resolution that authorizes the President of the Senate to certify a report from the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions concerning Dr. Ralph de la Torre's refusal to testify before the Committee. This resolution arises from an ongoing investigation into the bankruptcy of Steward Health Care Systems LLC, where Dr. de la Torre serves as Chairman and CEO. The resolution was prompted by Dr. de la Torre's non-compliance with a subpoena issued by the Committee aimed at gathering information pertinent to the investigation. The certification of the report may lead to legal consequences as stipulated under federal law.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SR837 appears to be generally supportive among lawmakers who advocate for congressional authority and oversight, viewing it as necessary for maintaining checks on powerful entities within the healthcare industry. However, there may be dissent from those who see such actions as potentially punitive or overreaching, highlighting the tension between enforcing legal obligations and ensuring fair treatment for individuals involved in congressional investigations.

Contention

The notable point of contention surrounding SR837 lies in the legal and ethical implications of compelling testimony. Critics of such measures could argue that they set a precedent for aggressive congressional tactics that might intimidate individuals from providing testimony. Furthermore, it raises questions about the balance between legislative authority and individual rights, particularly regarding the due process implications of enforcing subpoenas against high-profile executives in sensitive sectors like healthcare.

Latest US SR837 Activity

View All Events: US 2023-2024 Regular Session SR837

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SR42

An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

US SR76

An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

US SR907

A resolution to authorize representation by the Senate Legal Counsel in the case of Dr. Ralph de la Torre v. Bernard Sanders, et al.

US SR94

An original resolution authorizing expenditures by committees of the Senate for the periods March 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025, October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, and October 1, 2026, through February 28, 2027.

US SR59

An original resolution authorizing expenditures by committees of the Senate for the periods March 1, 2023, through September 30, 2023, October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024, and October 1, 2024, through February 28, 2025.

US SR38

This resolution designates the Senate majority party's membership for the 119th Congress on the following committees:the Committee on the Environment and Public Works;the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions;the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs;the Committee on the Judiciary;the Select Committee on Intelligence;the Special Committee on Aging;the Joint Economic Committee; andthe Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

US SR888

A resolution honoring the life of James Ralph Sasser, former Senator for the State of Tennessee.

US SR77

An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

US SR78

An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on the Budget.

US HR927

Condemning antisemitism on University campuses and the testimony of University Presidents in the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

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