Senate Committee Votes to Hold Fauci in Contempt

The US Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs has approved, along party lines, a resolution to hold former chief epidemiologist Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress, according to the National Review.

Republicans took the step after Fauci repeatedly invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during a recent hearing, declining to answer questions about his private notes on the origins of COVID-19.

Committee chairman Rand Paul argued that Congress must be able to compel cooperation in its investigations. However, the resolution's prospects remain uncertain.

It would require 60 votes to pass the Senate, making approval unlikely given Republicans' 53-seat majority. Any decision on criminal prosecution would then rest with the Department of Justice.

Democrats have described the move as politically motivated, arguing that Fauci was exercising his constitutional right to remain silent.

(mja)