Senate Committee Holds Steward Health CEO in Contempt

A U.S. Senate committee has unanimously passed two resolutions to hold Steward Health Care CEO Ralph de la Torre in contempt for ignoring subpoenas to testify about the company's bankruptcy. The resolutions, which call for civil enforcement and criminal prosecution, were prompted by de la Torre's refusal to appear at a recent hearing, with committee chair Sen. Bernie Sanders stating that no one is above the law. De la Torre's attorney has cited the Fifth Amendment, arguing that testifying could portray him as a 'criminal scapegoat' amid ongoing bankruptcy proceedings. The committee has stressed that de la Torre's testimony is crucial to understanding the financial mismanagement at Steward Health Care, which has faced significant operational issues. Both resolutions will advance to the full Senate for consideration, reflecting bipartisan support for accountability in this case.