Senate Republicans voted to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress after he invoked the Fifth Amendment during a hearing. Republicans, led by Chairman Rand Paul, R-Ky., argued Fauci was not entitled to Fifth Amendment protection due to a presidential pardon.

Fauci, who has been a target of criticism since the Covid pandemic, stated he believed Republicans intended to use his testimony for prosecution. The committee's vote, 8-5, was along party lines. Paul indicated the resolution would be referred to the Justice Department.

Fauci's lawyer called the vote a "crude political stunt" and a "personal vendetta" by Senator Paul. Democrats on the committee expressed concern that punishing a witness for asserting constitutional rights would set a "damaging precedent" for future congressional testimony. Republicans also contended that Fauci waived his Fifth Amendment right by delivering an opening statement on relevant subject matter.