Sanders Confident of Senate Panels Support for Subpoenaing J&J, Merck CEOs

Facing the threat of being subpoenaed, the CEOs of Johnson & Johnson and Merck have agreed to voluntarily testify before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee (HELP). The committee is chaired by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who had previously expressed confidence that he would get the support needed for the subpoenas to push through. The hearing is scheduled for February 8, 2024.
Sanders has been vocal about his concerns regarding the high cost of prescription drugs in the U.S. and the need for congressional oversight. The committee's investigation into drug pricing is part of Sanders' long-running aim to lower drug prices in the country. The hearing will include testimony from the CEOs of Johnson & Johnson, Merck, and Bristol Myers Squibb, who will explain why their companies charge higher prices for drugs in the U.S. compared to other countries.