Senate committee votes to hold Anthony Fauci in contempt for testimony

The Senate Homeland Security Committee will vote Thursday morning on a resolution to hold former White House chief medical adviser Anthony Fauci in contempt. The vote follows a hearing last week in which Fauci repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment, refusing to answer more than 100 questions about his work during the COVID‑19 pandemic. The committee’s motion is the first time a former medical adviser has been formally accused of contempt by Congress.

Fauci has been a key figure in U.S. public health for four decades. He led the National Institutes of Health’s Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and served as the senior adviser on the White House Coronavirus Task Force. Critics say Fauci misled the public about the virus’s severity and the effectiveness of vaccines. The hearing was part of a broader effort by Republican lawmakers to hold Fauci accountable for their view that his guidance caused unnecessary lockdowns and economic harm. The Fifth‑Amendment responses, which are protected from self‑incrimination, drew sharp criticism from some Democrats who say they reveal a pattern of evasiveness.

The resolution would officially charge Fauci with contempt of Congress, a rare move that could lead to a civil penalty or even criminal proceedings if the matter were taken to court. The committee will consider whether to impose a fine, require Fauci to testify again, or simply record the charge in the congressional record. Republicans who support the motion argue that it will deter future officials from refusing to testify. Democrats, however, have warned that the action could set a dangerous precedent and undermine the ability of future advisers to speak freely without fear of political retribution.

If the resolution passes, it will be filed with the House of Representatives, where it could trigger a debate over whether the Senate can enforce the contempt order. The move also comes after former President Biden issued a sweeping pardon for Fauci and other officials who faced potential criminal charges related to COVID‑19 policies. The pardon was part of Biden’s final act as president, aimed at healing divisions. The outcome of the vote will be watched closely by both sides, as it could influence how Congress handles executive‑branch officials in future crises.