Overview
- Sen. Bernie Sanders objected to unanimous consent, halting the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act that was poised for fast-track Senate approval.
- The bipartisan bill aims to expand access to pediatric cancer treatments and clinical trials and to extend incentives for developing therapies for children.
- Sanders said he supports the measure’s goals but withheld consent to secure funding for community health centers and to revive other bipartisan health provisions.
- Republican leaders and the White House criticized the move, with Vice President JD Vance calling it “really disgraceful” and sponsor Sen. Markwayne Mullin denouncing the objection on the floor.
- With the Senate leaving for the holidays, the legislation now faces a slower, standard process when Congress returns, disappointing advocates and families who watched from the gallery.