Anthony Fauci’s refusal to answer questions about practices and decision-making processes during the coronavirus pandemic led the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs to approve a contempt resolution. The committee vote passed 8-7.
Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, repeatedly invoked his right against self-incrimination during a contentious hearing held last week. As a result, he did not answer lawmakers’ questions about practices and decision-making processes during the pandemic.
Paul defends the decision
Committee Chairman Republican Senator Rand Paul said Fauci had refused to answer questions about his actions and decisions during the pandemic.
Paul said that holding witnesses in contempt was a serious measure that should be used rarely, adding that oversight was not a courtesy. He said the committee was not dependent on a former official’s willingness to cooperate and that oversight was a constitutional responsibility.
Democrats oppose the move
Democratic members objected to the Republican initiative on the committee. Senator Gary Peters, the committee’s senior Democrat, said subpoenaing Fauci and pursuing a contempt resolution against him would not improve public health.
Peters also argued that Paul should not send the resolution directly to the Justice Department.
Fifth Amendment and pardon debate
The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prevents people from being compelled to give testimony in investigations or legal proceedings in a way that could incriminate them.
Lawmakers are divided along party lines over whether this constitutional protection can be invoked following the broad pardon former President Joe Biden granted Fauci. The pardon covers federal crimes Fauci may have committed between January 1, 2014, and January 19, 2025.
