Senate panel votes to hold Fauci in contempt after he repeatedly takes Fifth

WASHINGTON — A U.S. Senate committee voted Thursday, August 6, 2026, to hold former federal health official Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress after he repeatedly refused to answer questions about the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Republican-led Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee approved the contempt resolution along party lines.

Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination more than 100 times while testifying under subpoena before the committee on July 29.

Committee Chairman Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, argued that Fauci could not rely on the Fifth Amendment because former President Joe Biden granted him a broad pardon before leaving office in January 2025.

Paul also contended that Fauci waived any remaining privilege by delivering opening testimony before declining to answer the committee’s questions.

“During the hearing, I ruled that the Fifth Amendment did not apply because of the pardon, and that Fauci had waived any remaining privilege by giving opening testimony,” Paul said before the vote. “I ordered him to answer and warned him about contempt, yet he still refused.”

Fauci has argued that he still faces potential legal exposure, including possible state investigations and allegations involving statements or conduct not protected by Biden’s pardon.

He accused Paul of attempting to force him into making statements that could later be used to prosecute him.

The committee’s vote does not mean Fauci has been criminally charged or convicted.

A contempt referral would be reviewed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, which would determine whether to investigate the matter or seek an indictment.

Contempt resolutions have traditionally also been considered by the full Senate. Paul has suggested that the committee may send its recommendation directly to the Justice Department rather than seek a full Senate vote, where the resolution would face an uncertain path.

Fauci, 85, led the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for nearly four decades and became one of the most visible public officials during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He retired from federal service in 2022.