Senate votes to hold Steward Health Care CEO Ralph de la Torre in contempt

Senators unanimously passed a resolution to hold Ralph de la Torre, the CEO of troubled hospital operator Steward Health Care, in criminal contempt of Congress on Wednesday. 

De la Torre failed to appear at a hearing where he was subpoenaed to testify on Capitol Hill earlier this month, and the Senate resolution refers the matter to the Department of Justice for prosecution. It marks the first time first time since 1971 that the Senate has held someone in criminal contempt.

"Dr. de la Torre is not above the law," Sen. Bernie Sanders, an Independent from Vermont, said on the Senate floor ahead of the vote. "If you defy a congressional subpoena you will be held accountable no matter who you are or how connected you may be."