Steward Health CEO Sues Senate Amid Bankruptcy

Ralph de la Torre, CEO of the bankrupt Steward Health Care, has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Senate's Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee for contempt charges after he failed to comply with a subpoena. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, claims the committee's actions violate his Fifth Amendment rights, arguing that compelling him to testify about Steward's bankruptcy is unconstitutional. The Senate had approved a resolution to hold de la Torre in contempt and referred the matter to the Justice Department for potential prosecution. De la Torre, who is stepping down as CEO, contends that Congress cannot punish him for exercising his right against self-incrimination. His legal team asserts that the Constitution supersedes the Senate's authority. This legal action comes amid Steward's efforts to address its $9 billion debt by selling its hospitals.