The U.S. Senate voted unanimously on Wednesday to hold Ralph de la Torre, CEO of Steward Health Care, in criminal contempt of Congress following his refusal to testify about the company’s financial practices before its bankruptcy filing.
The vote occurred after de la Torre declined to attend a hearing on September 12 held by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. The committee was investigating Steward’s financial decline, but de la Torre did not appear, despite being subpoenaed. In his absence, the committee heard from nurses and public officials who accused Steward of prioritizing corporate profits over patient care.
Senator Bernie Sanders, who chairs the committee, emphasized the importance of holding de la Torre accountable, stating that no one, regardless of wealth or connections, is above the law. “If you defy the congressional subpoena, you will be held accountable no matter who you are or how well connected you may be,” Sanders remarked.
This marked the first time since 1971 that the Senate has referred a case of criminal contempt to the U.S. Department of Justice, which will determine whether to pursue charges. Senator Ed Markey, a Democrat from Massachusetts, expressed hope that the Department of Justice would act swiftly against de la Torre, citing the suffering caused by his leadership amid Steward’s financial troubles.
Steward Health Care, the largest privately owned hospital network in the U.S., filed for bankruptcy in May, burdened by $9 billion in debt. The company has been in the process of selling its 31 hospitals since the filing. Federal prosecutors in Boston are reportedly investigating de la Torre and Steward.
De la Torre has previously argued that the Senate’s inquiry infringed upon his Fifth Amendment rights and claimed the hearing was intended to make him a scapegoat for systemic issues within Massachusetts’ healthcare system. He has asserted that it would be inappropriate to testify while the company negotiates bankruptcy settlements.
As the situation develops, the Senate’s action underscores the tension between corporate accountability and legislative oversight in the healthcare sector.
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