The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has voted to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress. The vote, which occurred along party lines, will lead to the committee referring the case to the Justice Department for potential prosecution.
This action follows Fauci's refusal to answer questions during a congressional hearing last week. During his testimony, Fauci invoked his constitutional right against self-incrimination more than 100 times, drawing criticism from Republican lawmakers.
The committee's referral means it is seeking to hold Fauci accountable for failing to comply with a congressional subpoena. It remains unclear whether the Justice Department will pursue prosecution. The details of the specific questions Fauci declined to answer were not immediately available.
Fauci, a prominent figure during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been a subject of congressional scrutiny regarding his role and decisions during the public health crisis.