Senate votes to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt
Image: Allison Robbert
A Senate committee voted yesterday to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress, after the former top US infectious disease official repeatedly invoked his Fifth Amendment right during testimony last week.
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, led by chairman Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), approved the contempt resolution in an 8-5 party-line vote following the hearing, which came after the Department of Health and Human Services transferred Fauci's Covid-era journals to Congress.
Lawmakers have since incorporated those records into their investigation of Covid's origins, government-funded research in China, and the federal government’s response to the pandemic.
Key takeaways from Fauci’s journal
Republican lawmakers say some entries conflict with Fauci's later statements that he didn't recommend mass lockdowns or school closures across America.
Fauci wrote that he convinced NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio to close local schools and recommended additional restrictions, while a California official told him Gov. Gavin Newsom decided to close schools, bars, and restaurants based on Fauci's public comments.
- The journals also shed some light on Fauci's views related to the origins of Covid.
- This includes early discussions with scientists who suggested a laboratory accident was possible, and later writings where Fauci said he believed the virus most likely originated naturally.
Additionally, Fauci’s journal detailed behind-the-scenes conversations with President Trump and other administration officials about travel restrictions, masking, the use of hydroxychloroquine, and other pandemic response decisions.
Is Fauci being fairly targeted?
Many Republican lawmakers in Congress say Fauci had no reason to invoke the Fifth Amendment because former President Biden had already pardoned him for actions taken while leading the nation's infectious disease efforts.
- They argue that Biden-issued pardon means Fauci still owes Congress answers about government-funded studies in China and COVID's origins, including the possibility of a lab leak.
- They also cite entries in his newly released journals that they say conflict with his past public statements about not recommending lockdowns or school closures during the pandemic.
On the flip side: Democrats counter that Republicans were attempting to compel testimony that could expose Fauci to additional legal scrutiny despite the federal pardon. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) also warned the contempt vote could discourage future witnesses from cooperating with congressional oversight by giving them a reason to refuse to appear.
Looking ahead...Fauci’s contempt resolution will now be referred to the Department of Justice, which will soon decide whether to pursue the case. At the same time, Republicans say they're continuing to review Fauci's government-issued phone and millions of additional pandemic records amid a broader investigation into his conduct.
📊 Flash poll: In general, do you support or oppose the recent increased congressional scrutiny of Dr. Anthony Fauci’s actions during the Covid pandemic?
See a 360° view of what pundits are saying →
Sprinkles from the Left
- Some commentators argue that the Senate hearing on Fauci reflects how partisan politics continue to overshadow meaningful discussions about the pandemic, reinforcing public mistrust while preventing the country from learning the lessons needed to better respond to future public health crises.
- Others contend that Congress's effort to hold Fauci in contempt misrepresents his constitutional right to invoke the Fifth Amendment, since the case lacks a legitimate legal basis and instead serves as a political effort to portray him as a criminal.
- “What We Really Learned From the Fauci Hearing” –Rachael Bedard, NYT
- “It’s Congress That Has Contempt for Fauci — and the Law” –Barbara McQuade, Bloomberg
- “GOP Senate Shit Show: Focusing on Fauci Instead of Cyclospora Diarrhea Disaster” –Julian Scoffield, Common Dreams
Sprinkles from the Right
- Some commentators argue that Fauci's decision to repeatedly invoke the Fifth Amendment reinforces concerns about his credibility, leaving many Americans with unanswered questions about the government's handling of the Covid pandemic.
- Others contend that the political battles surrounding Fauci reflect the country's broader failure to fully examine the Covid pandemic, leaving important questions unanswered and making the nation less prepared for future public health emergencies.
- “When ‘follow the science’ becomes ‘I plead the Fifth’” –Boston Herald Editorial Board
- “The sad takeaway from Fauci's refusal to testify” –WaPo Editorial Board
- “Dr. Fauci Takes the Fifth, Alas” –WSJ Editorial Board
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