"Bernie Sanders Blocks Biden's Medical Research Nominee, Refuses to Back Down"

The nomination of Monica Bertagnolli to run the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has become a source of contention between the Biden administration and Sen. Bernie Sanders. Sanders has been demanding more aggressive actions to lower drug prices, including reinstating an NIH requirement for reasonable pricing and patent-seizing power. Sanders has vowed to oppose all health nominees until his demands are met. The White House has defended its nominations process and remains committed to getting Bertagnolli confirmed. The impasse highlights the challenges Biden faces with his nominees and the leverage senators have in the confirmation process.