Senate committee votes to hold Dr. Fauci in contempt over Covid testimony

A Senate committee voted along party lines to hold former health official Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress after he refused to answer questions about his role in the Covid 19 pandemic response. The vote was 8-7, with the Republican majority supporting the contempt referral.

The contempt action will now move to the full Senate, where a filibuster could block any further action. If the Senate ultimately holds Fauci in contempt, the Department of Justice would decide whether to pursue prosecution.

A contempt conviction could result in fines up to $100,000 and a possible prison term of up to a year. Fauci had been subpoenaed to appear before the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, where he declined to respond to the committee’s inquiries.

The development reflects ongoing political tensions surrounding the federal response to the pandemic and may have broader implications for how public health officials interact with congressional oversight.