Senate Committee Led by Rand Paul Holds Fauci in Contempt Over COVID Hearing Noncompliance
A Senate committee, chaired by Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, has voted to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress. This decision follows Fauci's refusal to answer questions during a hearing investigating the origins of COVID-19. Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination over 100 times during the session. He accused Senator Paul of having an 'unhinged obsession' with him. Paul argued that Fauci's previous pardon from former President Joe Biden nullified his Fifth Amendment rights, claiming Fauci had waived any remaining privilege by providing an opening statement. The committee's vote was 8-7, with all Democrats opposing the contempt resolution. Paul plans to send the contempt referral directly to the Justice Department, bypassing the full Senate, where it would require bipartisan support to pass.