Sep 25, 2024

Senate votes to hold Steward CEO in contempt

Peter Sullivan

Sep 25, 2024

An empty seat where the CEO of Steward Health Systems was supposed to testify — The empty seat where de la Torre had been called to testify at a Sept. 12 HELP Committee hearing. Photo: Ting Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The Senate voted Wednesday to hold the CEO of Steward Health Care in contempt for defying a congressional subpoena.

Why it matters: The unanimous consent approval of the contempt resolution shows the wide-ranging frustration with CEO Ralph de la Torre over his refusal to testify on patient harm and understaffing amid the health system's financial struggles.

What's next: The matter is now referred to the U.S. attorney in D.C., who can decide whether to bring criminal charges.

Senate HELP Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders and ranking member Bill Cassidy both spoke in favor of the move on the Senate floor, showing its bipartisan appeal.
"I hope the Department of Justice will move swiftly," said Sen. Ed Markey.

The other side: A letter from de la Torre's attorney previously invoked his Fifth Amendment right in declining to testify, calling the hearing an effort to "frame Dr. de la Torre as a criminal scapegoat for the systemic failures in Massachusetts' health care system."

Senate votes to hold Steward CEO in contempt

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