Anthony Fauci has been found in contempt of Congress by the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee due to his repeated refusal to answer questions regarding the funding of risky research to genetically manipulate bat coronavirus in Wuhan China and his handling of the COVID-19 response that led to economic repercussions.
Additionally, a copy of his cell phone was obtained by the committee. In an 8-5 vote led by Committee Chairman Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), the contempt vote aims to refer the case directly to the DOJ for prosecution, bypassing a full Senate vote.
Sen. Paul emphasized the importance of seeking the truth and accountability, stating that it is crucial to prevent the recurrence of past mistakes and their consequences. On the other hand, the Committee’s top Democrat, Sen. Gary Peters, criticized the investigation, claiming that it has been biased from the beginning.
The investigation revealed that Fauci funded the controversial research, mishandled the COVID-19 response, lied under oath, and invoked the Fifth Amendment when confronted with evidence.
During the hearing, Fauci refused to answer questions, leading to the decision to hold him in contempt of Congress. The Committee obtained a copy of Fauci’s cell phone, further intensifying the scrutiny on his actions during the pandemic.
The subpoena issued in July directed Fauci to testify on the committee’s investigation into “risky life sciences research and the origins of the COVID-19 virus.” Despite accusations of an “unhinged obsession” against him, Fauci avoided providing substantial answers during the hearing, evading inquiries on crucial topics.
A Senate panel investigating Dr. Anthony Fauci has obtained a copy of the doctor’s iPhone, potentially securing even more records related to the doctor’s actions during the Covid-19 pandemic. The copy of the phone was transferred by the Department of Health and Human Services to the Senate Homeland Security Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, which is chaired by Sen. Ron Johnson (R., Wis.).
This revelation comes just days after copies of Fauci’s journals were publicly released following their transfer from HHS to Congress. Two Republican senators, Johnson and Rand Paul of Kentucky, have increased pressure on Fauci in recent days to answer questions related to pandemic health measures and the origins of Covid-19.