Senate Committee Holds Fauci in Contempt

On August 6, 2026, the Republican-led Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs voted along party lines (8-5, with two proxy no votes) to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress. The vote came after Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination more than 100 times during a July 29 hearing on his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Committee Chairman Rand Paul argued that Fauci's preemptive pardon from former President Joe Biden eliminated any risk of federal prosecution, making his refusal to testify unjustified. Democrats on the committee, led by Gary Peters, opposed the move, warning it would set a damaging precedent and erode congressional oversight. Paul indicated he would send the criminal contempt referral directly to the Department of Justice, bypassing a full Senate vote, which would likely fail to reach the 60-vote threshold. The DOJ is not obligated to act on the referral. Fauci's attorney, David Schertler, called the vote a 'crude political stunt' and accused Paul of pursuing a personal vendetta. The episode is part of a broader Republican campaign against Fauci, who also faces state-level investigations in United States — Florida, United States — Louisiana, and United States — Alabama. The outcome could have implications for Congress's ability to compel testimony from previously pardoned witnesses.