A Senate committee is set to vote on whether to hold Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress, according to NPR. The vote would determine whether the committee formally accuses Fauci of failing to comply with congressional demands or obligations. Further details about the committee’s composition, the specific allegations, and the possible outcome were not provided.
The planned vote follows a contentious Senate committee hearing in which Fauci repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment, according to related coverage. The hearing and the prospect of a contempt finding have intensified scrutiny of Fauci’s handling of issues related to the Covid-19 pandemic and federal guidance.
Other outlets have reported that Sen. Rand Paul predicted the contempt resolution would pass and said he expected a swift referral to the Justice Department. Separately, three state attorneys general have subpoenaed Fauci over Covid guidance, adding to the broader legal and political scrutiny surrounding his role.
A contempt vote would not by itself establish criminal liability. If approved, the matter could be referred to the Justice Department for further consideration, although any subsequent action would depend on the department and the applicable legal process.