US Senate committee votes to hold Fauci in contempt over Covid hearing

The US Senate committee has voted to hold former health official Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress, following his refusal to answer questions during a hearing on his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. This decision, which followed party lines, opens the way for the committee to refer the case to the justice department for potential prosecution if Fauci does not comply with a congressional subpoena.

Fauci invoked his constitutional right against self-incrimination over 100 times during his testimony, arguing that Senator Rand Paul was attempting to imprison him. He has denied any wrongdoing. Paul, the committee's Republican chairman, bypassed a full Senate vote, stating he did not want to waste time on the procedure. Fauci's lawyer called the vote a "crude political stunt" aimed at punishing Fauci for exercising his constitutional rights.

The origins of the pandemic have been a contentious issue in the US, with Paul accusing Fauci of hiding its origins and funding a research lab in Wuhan, China, though most scientists believe it began through exposure to an infected animal. Biden pardoned Fauci on his last day in office, but he could still face charges for actions after that date.

The Democratic senator on the committee defended Fauci, accusing Paul of a rushed investigation and a years-long campaign to prosecute him. Contempt prosecutions are rare, with only two convictions since the 1980s.