US Senate launches proceedings against Fauci after he refused to speak about the pandemic

A US Senate committee has voted to hold former White House top medical adviser Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress after he refused to testify and answer questions from senators regarding his role during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee approved the measure by a vote of 8 to 7, along party lines. Republicans supported the measure, while Democrats opposed it.

The decision came after Fauci appeared before the committee but refused to answer many questions, citing the Fifth Amendment to the US Constitution, which gives citizens the right not to give evidence that could expose them to criminal liability, Reuters writes.

Republican Senator Rand Paul, one of Fauci's most vocal critics, has long demanded answers on issues related to the pandemic's management, funding for scientific research and the origins of the coronavirus. He has argued that Fauci should cooperate with the investigation and not exercise his right to remain silent.

Fauci and his lawyers have opposed the process, saying that the use of the Fifth Amendment is a constitutional right and that the investigation is politically motivated. They have denied that refusing to answer implies an admission of responsibility.

After the committee vote, the matter is expected to move on to further consideration. A final decision on contempt of Congress could lead to the case being sent to the Justice Department for evaluation of possible legal steps.

The new clash between Fauci and Republican senators has brought the management of the pandemic, the decisions made during the COVID-19 crisis, and the role of American health institutions back to the center of public debate in the US. /Telegraph/