Floor Remarks by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa
Senate President Pro Tempore
“Socialized Medicine Fails Patients”
Monday, January 5, 2026

VIDEO

Congress has a full plate of issues to work on this year.

I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and continuing my work for the people of Iowa this year, as I always do.

One issue on my mind is lowering health care costs, expanding access to high quality care and supporting research and innovation.

United States health care needs more reform and accountability, but we don't need to turn it into a socialized, government-run healthcare system.

I would like to point out another example, as I have before, of how socialized medicine fails patients.

Recently, a Canadian woman named Jolene Van Alstine made headlines because of Canada's socialized, single-payer health care system.

Jolene can't access a health care specialist to get the life-saving surgery that she needs.

Jolene has a rare disease and she needs surgery, yet there's not a surgeon available in her province to perform that surgery.

You'd think she would look elsewhere in Canada to get the surgery, but she can't do that.

Jolene must get permission from a local specialist first, due to government rules running the socialized health care system in Canada.

Yet, getting an appointment with a specialist isn't possible, because no one is accepting new patients.

Now she's considering “medical assistance in dying,” because Canada's health care system doesn't have a surgeon or a specialist that she needs to get that life-saving care.

American conservative radio commentator Glenn Beck has offered to cover the patient's travel expenses to America if an American surgeon is able to perform the surgery.

I sure hope someone will step up to help Jolene in this way.

Canada does, however, have an alternative health care system. It is called the United States of America – if the patient can afford to come here and pay for the services.

Now, I've highlighted before how Canadian cancer patients are coming to America for treatment.

Socialized medicine leads to longer wait times and scarce resources.

Let this be another reminder of socialized medicine's failures.

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