Sanders urges end to Iran conflict, backs progressive Senate races and Medicare for All

Senator Bernie Sanders told "Face the Nation" that the $67 billion request for emergency defense funding should be redirected toward housing, health care, climate action and support for the working class, adding that the war in Iran is unconstitutional and must be ended through negotiations. > "We need to sit down, negotiate, end this war as quickly as possible," he said.

Sanders expressed confidence that progressive candidate Troy Jackson can win the Maine Senate primary, noting that many voters are frustrated with income inequality and a political system he described as dominated by billionaire donors. He warned that super-PACs are spending tens of millions against progressive challengers such as Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan and Peggy Flanagan in Minnesota.

When asked about criticism from Democratic establishment figures, Sanders contrasted the establishment’s reliance on wealthy contributors with the progressive movement’s grassroots momentum, citing growing support for policies like universal health care. He argued the United States is the only major country without guaranteed health coverage and called for a Medicare-for-All single-payer system.

On health-policy legislation, Sanders said current labeling rules are insufficient and advocated stronger warnings on ultra-processed foods and a ban on junk-food advertising to children, citing the high cost of obesity-related diseases. He also indicated he would not support the Health and Human Services nominee Dr. Erica Schwartz, questioning her willingness to resist political pressure.

Overall, Sanders framed his positions as a response to public concerns over health-care costs, economic inequality, and foreign-policy entanglements, urging a political shift away from the status quo.