Starbucks CEO defends American dream and battles Democrats over unions.

Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz defended his billionaire status at a Senate Labor Committee hearing, arguing in favor of the "American dream" given that he himself "came from nothing" and "earned it." Schultz also defended Starbucks' labor practices, stating that the company is committed to fulfilling its obligation as an employer under the National Labor Relations Act and is committed to good faith negotiations on first contracts for each unionized store. The hearing also saw heated exchanges between Schultz and Sen. Bernie Sanders, who accused Starbucks of waging the most aggressive and illegal union-busting campaign in the modern history of the US.