Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) is moving to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress after accusing the former top U.S. health official of refusing to answer questions during a Senate hearing. Paul, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, announced the committee will vote Thursday on a resolution that would begin the process of holding Fauci in contempt of Congress.

Background of the Hearing

Last week’s hearing was part of the committee’s investigation into the origins of COVID-19, medical research practices, and Fauci’s time working as a federal government employee. According to the resolution, Fauci appeared under subpoena and declined to answer questions from the committee members by invoking his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.

Paul argues Fauci was not entitled to invoke the Fifth Amendment because the “full and unconditional pardon” given to him by President Joe Biden only covers potential federal offenses related to his government service from January 2014 through the date of the pardon, which was January 19, 2025. The resolution also states Paul determined Fauci waived any remaining Fifth Amendment privilege by discussing the committee’s investigation during his opening statement.

Paul directed Fauci to answer the committee’s questions and warned he could be held in contempt of Congress, but the resolution argues Fauci continued to refuse. “Dr. Fauci appeared under subpoena and invoked the Fifth Amendment to refuse answering questions. During the hearing, I ruled that the Fifth Amendment did not apply because of the pardon, and that Fauci had waived any remaining privilege by giving opening testimony. I ordered him to answer and warned him about contempt, yet he still refused. That is obstruction of a congressional investigation. The Committee will act accordingly,” said Paul.

Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.