Sen.Rand Paul & Dr.Anthony Fauci ( Rapid Reports Photo – Benjamin Harris )
Rand Paul Says Fauci Contempt Resolution Could Go Directly to DOJ After Senate Hearing
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Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) said Wednesday that a planned contempt resolution against former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci could potentially be sent directly to the Department of Justice for review and possible prosecution instead of moving through the full Senate.
Paul made the comments following a contentious Senate hearing in which Fauci repeatedly invoked his Fifth Amendment rights while refusing to answer lawmakers’ questions.
Rand Paul Explains Potential Next Step in Fauci Contempt Proceedings
Speaking with Fox News, Paul described the planned action as a congressional resolution recommending that Fauci be considered for contempt of Congress.
“It’s actually a law. It’s a resolution,” Paul said when discussing the committee’s plans.
He argued that if the resolution passes through the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, lawmakers may be able to send it directly to the Justice Department.
“Since it’s not really a law, it doesn’t have an exact procedure,” Paul said.
The Kentucky senator added that the measure would not require a presidential signature and would not necessarily need to go through the House of Representatives.
Paul Says He Previously Referred Fauci for Criminal Prosecution
Paul also said he has previously asked federal prosecutors to investigate Fauci over allegations involving records and congressional testimony.
“I myself have individually referred him in the past for prosecution,” Paul said.
He claimed Fauci committed crimes by allegedly destroying records and providing false statements to Congress.
Paul said those referrals were initially sent to the Biden administration’s Justice Department but did not result in action.
He added that he has since provided information to the Trump administration’s Justice Department as well.
Fauci Invokes Fifth Amendment During Senate Testimony
The controversy followed Fauci’s appearance before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee after being subpoenaed to testify about the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before questioning began, Fauci delivered an opening statement accusing Republicans of attempting to create a criminal case against him rather than conduct legitimate oversight.
Following advice from his attorneys, Fauci repeatedly invoked his constitutional right against self-incrimination.
He declined to answer many questions from lawmakers regarding pandemic decisions and federal health policies.
Fauci Refuses to Answer Questions About COVID Policies
During the hearing, Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times, according to Paul and other Republican lawmakers.
The questions covered several major pandemic-related issues, including:
- COVID-19 policy decisions
- Vaccine recommendations
- Lockdown measures
- National Institutes of Health funding
- Coronavirus research
- Statements Fauci previously made before Congress
Republicans argued that the public deserves additional information about decisions made during the pandemic.
Senate Committee Plans Vote on Contempt Resolution
Paul criticized Fauci’s refusal to provide answers and said lawmakers need accountability regarding the federal government’s handling of COVID-19.
The committee chairman announced that members plan to vote on a resolution seeking to hold Fauci in contempt of Congress.
If approved, the resolution could become part of a broader effort to refer the matter to federal prosecutors.
Senate Hearing Becomes Heated During Attorney Dispute
The hearing became tense when Paul ordered one of Fauci’s attorneys removed after the attorney attempted to speak without being recognized by the committee chairman.
The confrontation added to an already divided hearing, with lawmakers sharply disagreeing over the purpose and fairness of the proceedings.
Democrats Defend Fauci’s Decision to Invoke Rights
Democratic members of the committee defended Fauci and argued that his use of the Fifth Amendment was legally justified.
They said the hearing was politically motivated and pointed to previous calls from some Republicans to pursue criminal charges against Fauci.
Democrats argued that Fauci had a legitimate reason to avoid answering questions that could potentially expose him to legal consequences.
They also accused Republicans of reaching conclusions before the hearing began.
Rand Paul Releases Fauci Pandemic Diaries Ahead of Hearing
The hearing followed Paul’s release of more than 1,100 pages of Fauci’s pandemic-era diaries.
Paul said the documents raised additional questions about how the government responded during the COVID-19 crisis.
Fauci has rejected allegations of wrongdoing and said the diary entries are consistent with his previous public statements.
He has denied claims that he acted improperly during the pandemic.
Fauci Contempt Fight Could Escalate Into DOJ Referral
The dispute between Paul and Fauci now moves toward a possible contempt vote and potential Justice Department involvement.
Republicans argue the action is necessary to obtain answers about pandemic-era decisions.
Democrats argue the effort is a politically driven attempt to target a former public health official.
The outcome of the committee vote could determine whether the matter advances toward a formal criminal referral.
This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
Rand Paul Moves Toward Contempt Charge Against Fauci
Sen. Rand Paul said Wednesday that a planned contempt resolution against former NIAID Director Dr. Anthony Fauci could be sent directly to the Department of Justice for possible prosecution. Speaking after a contentious Senate hearing, the Kentucky Republican explained that once the Homeland Security Committee passes the resolution, it may bypass the full Senate and go straight to prosecutors.
Fauci Invokes Fifth Amendment More Than 100 Times
During the subpoenaed hearing focused on the COVID-19 response and virus origins, Fauci repeatedly declined to answer questions on pandemic policies, NIH funding, lockdowns, and vaccine guidance, invoking his Fifth Amendment right over 100 times. Paul has previously referred Fauci to both the Biden and Trump Justice Departments over alleged record destruction and false statements to Congress, though no action followed those earlier requests.
Accountability Push Continues Under Trump Administration
Committee leaders plan to vote next week on holding Fauci in contempt for refusing to answer lawmakers’ questions. While Democrats defended Fauci’s decision to invoke constitutional protections and called the hearing politically motivated, Paul argued the American people still deserve answers about the government’s pandemic decisions. The latest development keeps pressure on the former official as the Trump DOJ reviews prior referrals.
Benjamin Harris is a RapidReports front page contributor and editor,proud father of four.
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