Senate Committee Refers Fauci for Contempt of Congress
Vote follows Dr. Fauci's repeated invocation of Fifth Amendment rights and presidential pardon controversy.
Carla Rooney
A Senate committee voted to refer Dr. Anthony Fauci to the Department of Justice for contempt of Congress.
The Fifth Amendment protects individuals from compelled self-incrimination; Fauci asserted this right throughout the proceedings.
Senator Rand Paul ejected Dr. Anthony Fauci's attorney, David Schertler, from the room.
Schertler claimed Senator Rand Paul defended Dr. Anthony Fauci against threats of “consequences” and “repercussions” for his refusal to testify.
Democratic panel members claim Senator Rand Paul attempted to ensnare Dr. Anthony Fauci, aiming for a misstep that could trigger perjury charges.
Senator Maggie Hassan asserted Senator Rand Paul sought to lead Dr. Anthony Fauci into a "political trap" for prosecution by Donald Trump’s “weaponized” Justice Department.
The subcommittee aggressively pursued documents detailing public health officials' pandemic response, including Dr. Anthony Fauci's journals.
Excerpts from these journals, released prior to the hearing, reveal Dr. Anthony Fauci's negative views of Donald Trump during the early Covid-19 pandemic.
Senator Richard Blumenthal likened the hearings to Joseph McCarthy-era attempts to prosecute political adversaries.
Senator Gary Peters warned the vote would establish a "damaging precedent," hindering future congressional committees from compelling witness testimony.
The committee will refer the case to the justice department for potential prosecution.
Senator Rand Paul stated the committee will first vote on sending a recommendation to federal prosecutors, not immediately seek a full Senate contempt vote.
President Joe Biden issued a preemptive pardon for Dr. Anthony Fauci, covering official conduct between 2014 and 2025.
Despite this pardon, Dr. Anthony Fauci maintains he faces potential legal risks.
Dr. Anthony Fauci indicated that The pardon offers no protection from possible state prosecutions or from any allegations of false testimony before Congress.
Dr. Anthony Fauci claims the pardon offers no protection from possible state prosecutions or from any allegations of false testimony before Congress.
The phone in question was used by Dr. Anthony Fauci during his tenure as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Dr. Anthony Fauci accused Senator Rand Paul of having an “unhinged obsession” with him.