US Senate committee votes to hold Fauci in contempt over Covid hearing
The committee will now refer him for potential prosecution following his refusal to answer questions during a hearing focused on his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A US Senate committee has moved to cite former top health official Anthony Fauci for contempt of Congress. This action follows his refusal to answer questions during a hearing that scrutinized his management of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The committee's vote, which was split along party lines, signifies that the matter will be forwarded to the Justice Department. The department will then consider potential prosecution for Fauci's non-compliance with a congressional subpoena. Whether the department will pursue such action remains uncertain.
During his testimony last week, Fauci invoked his constitutional right against self-incrimination over 100 times, a move that provoked strong reactions from Republican lawmakers.
On his final day in office in 2025, former President Joe Biden issued Fauci a pre-emptive pardon. This pardon shields Fauci from federal prosecution for actions taken between 2014 and 2025. However, Fauci could still face charges for any actions occurring after that date, including the current contempt of Congress accusation. Furthermore, the pardon does not cover potential state or local charges.
Ahead of the vote, Kentucky Republican Rand Paul stated, "The chair directed Anthony Fauci to answer. He refused. That is what we are voting on today — not his opinions, not his policies, not anything he said from the podium six years ago." He further elaborated, "We are voting on whether a witness who has received the benefit of a federal pardon can be ordered by this committee to answer questions and then defy that order without consequence."