Sanders plans to introduce single-payer bill in September

by Jessie Hellmann - 08/15/17 9:34 AM ET

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) plans to introduce his “Medicare for all” single-payer healthcare bill after Congress returns in September.

Speaking to constituents in Vermont Monday, Sanders admitted that the bill is unlikely to pass the Republican-controlled Congress or be signed by President Trump.

“If we pass this thing, it’s not going to be tomorrow, it would be the most significant step forward legislatively since I suspect the creation of Social Security in the 1930s. It’s a big deal,” he said, according to The Associated Press.

{mosads}Sanders has long argued in favor of a government-run universal healthcare system, commonly referred to as single-payer. It was included in his platform during his 2016 run for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Single-payer has gained traction among Democrats, with potential 2020 contenders like Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) supporting it.

However, it’s still not a unifying message for Democrats, with many cautious about the idea as they look to regain control of the House in the 2018 midterm elections.

Senate Democrats face a tough electoral map next year, with a number of Democratic incumbents up for reelection in states that Trump won in 2016.

Tags Bernie Sanders Elizabeth Warren Kirsten Gillibrand