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Ex-Senator Ben Sasse, Facing Pancreatic Cancer, Warns Congress, Universities

8/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Former U.S. Senator Ben Sasse (R-Nebraska) sat down with EconTalk host Russ Roberts six months after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis that gave him 90 days to live.
He said the illness shattered his workaholism, forced focus on faith and mortality, and led him to criticize Congress and warn of a university crisis.
Sasse served in the Senate from 2015 to 2023 and led Midland University and the University of Florida.

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Story summary

Former U.S. Senator Ben Sasse (R-Nebraska) sat down with EconTalk host Russ Roberts six months after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis that gave him 90 days to live.
He said the illness shattered his workaholism, forced focus on faith and mortality, and led him to criticize Congress and warn of a university crisis.
Sasse served in the Senate from 2015 to 2023 and led Midland University and the University of Florida.