Massachusetts Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren have called for Steward Health Care’s CEO, Dr. Ralph de la Torre, to be held in contempt if he fails to appear at a Senate hearing probing the company’s financial collapse. De la Torre has said he will ignore the subpoena. Steward, which owns hospitals in Massachusetts and other states, has seen several facilities close and intends to sell others amidst bankruptcy proceedings that began in May. Markey, along with others, vows to hold de la Torre accountable for the company’s bankruptcy and criticized the executive’s lifestyle. Labour leaders representing Steward workers and communities impacted by closures were present at a press conference supporting the Senators’ stance. De la Torre has requested a delay in the hearing until the bankruptcy process is completed. Markey could not provide a timeline for a potential contempt resolution, but emphasized bipartisan cooperation on the issue. Despite Steward announcing agreements to sell several facilities, the Senate panel continues to pursue accountability regarding the bankruptcy proceedings. Warren suggested federal marshals might be needed to enforce the subpoena. Lawmakers are working on both local and federal levels to address the impact of Steward Health Care’s financial collapse on the communities it serves.
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Massachusetts Senators Markey and Warren demand that Steward Health Care CEO de la Torre face contempt charges
