Summary
A US Senate committee voted to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress after he refused to answer questions in a hearing about his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The case will now be referred to the Justice Department for possible prosecution, although Fauci has a federal pardon for actions between 2014 and 2025.Key Facts
- The Senate committee's vote was along party lines.
- Fauci refused to answer questions over 100 times, citing his constitutional right against self-incrimination.
- Former President Joe Biden gave Fauci a federal pardon covering the years 2014 to 2025.
- The pardon does not cover possible charges after 2025, including contempt of Congress.
- The committee will send the contempt case to the Justice Department for possible legal action.
- Fauci might still face state or local charges unrelated to the federal pardon.
- Kentucky Senator Rand Paul said the vote was about Fauci defying a congressional order to answer questions.
- The hearing focused on Fauci’s management of the COVID-19 pandemic.
