Republicans Seek Criminal Prosecution of Anthony Fauci After His Silence Before the Senate

The U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs voted to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, in contempt of Congress. The decision has further deepened the political clash over the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The vote followed party lines after Fauci refused to answer senators’ questions during a hearing last week. He invoked the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees the right not to testify against oneself.

According to Republicans, Fauci’s stance provides grounds for criminal charges of contempt of Congress. If found guilty of the offense, he could be sentenced to up to one year in prison.

Senator Rand Paul, the committee’s Republican chairman, announced that he would send the recommendation directly to the Department of Justice without first submitting it for a vote on the Senate floor. The move is seen as a departure from the practice followed so far.

However, before the procedure can continue, the step must receive approval from U.S. Vice President JD Vance, in his role as president of the Senate. After that, the Department of Justice will determine whether formal charges will be brought against Fauci.