Sen. Rand Paul announced his contempt of Congress resolution against Dr. Anthony Fauci on Tuesday, charging the former federal COVID chief with thwarting a Senate committee’s investigation into the pandemic’s origins and the government’s handling of it.
The resolution will be up for a vote on Thursday.
Dr. Fauci, in an appearance last week, declared his disdain for the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee’s probe and repeatedly asserted his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination in refusing to answer questions.
Mr. Paul, in his new resolution, rejected Dr. Fauci’s right to remain silent in this case, saying he waived it by his initial statement attacking the committee. Mr. Paul also said a Biden pardon cleared Dr. Fauci of any criminal danger, so he didn’t have anything to fear from answering the questions.
“Chairman Paul found the privilege of the Fifth Amendment unsupported as applied to questions pertaining to the period of the pardon and directed Dr. Fauci to answer,” the resolution says.
Legal analysts said the contempt resolution will have a tough time succeeding.
SEE ALSO: Fauci shielded by filibuster minefield in Paul’s push to hold him in contempt
It will have to survive a likely Democrat-led filibuster in the Senate and, if it clears that hurdle, it will go to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro in Washington, who would be directed to take it to a grand jury.
The federal grand jury in Washington has been skeptical of some of the cases Ms. Pirro has brought.
If Dr. Fauci is indicted, experts said he will have several good arguments to challenge the validity of the committee’s investigation and to defend his assertion of his Fifth Amendment right.
Contact the author
Please read our comment policy before commenting.