Senate committee holds Fauci in contempt

On August 6, 2026, the United States — United States House Committee on Homeland Security voted along party lines to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress for refusing to answer questions during a hearing on his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fauci had invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination more than 100 times during his testimony the previous week. Committee Chairman Rand Paul argued that Fauci's pardon from President Joe Biden eliminated any risk of prosecution, making the Fifth Amendment claim invalid. The committee's vote sets up a referral to the United States — United States Department of Justice for potential prosecution. Democrats on the committee opposed the move, arguing that Fauci had a legitimate fear of prosecution given Republican statements and the Justice Department's actions under President Donald Trump. Fauci's lawyer, David Schertler, called the vote a 'crude political stunt.' The referral was sent directly to the Justice Department by Paul, bypassing a full Senate vote, which Democrats questioned as legally questionable. The Justice Department confirmed receipt of the referral and said it would review it. The event highlights ongoing political tensions over the COVID-19 pandemic response and the use of congressional oversight powers.