Health care must be recognized as a right, not a privilege.
Analysis
The statement matches language from Senator Sanders' floor speech on June 14, 2017, where he argued for Medicare for All and declared health care a right. The exact phrase appears in the Congressional Record and was quoted by multiple news outlets. No evidence contradicts the attribution.
Background
In 2017, Senator Bernie Sanders advocated for a universal health care system, commonly referred to as Medicare for All. During a Senate floor debate on health care legislation, he emphasized that health care should be treated as a fundamental right rather than a market commodity. This stance aligns with his long‑standing progressive platform.
Verdict summary
Bernie Sanders indeed said health care is a right, not a privilege, in a 2017 Senate speech.
Sources consulted
— Congressional Record, June 14, 2017, Senate floor speech by Sen. Bernie Sanders (https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/2017/06/14/senate-section)
— Bernie Sanders official website, press release titled “Senator Sanders Calls Health Care a Right, Not a Privilege” (https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2017-06-14-health-care-right)
— Politico article, “Sanders on Medicare for All: ‘Health care is a right, not a privilege’” (https://www.politico.com/story/2017/06/14/sanders-medicare-for-all-speech-239437)