Dr. Fauci was supposed to answer questions about the pandemic. That was the plan. Instead, he pleaded the Fifth Amendment over 100 times.
Sen. Rand Paul has a different idea now. He announced a resolution to hold Dr. Fauci in contempt of Congress on Tuesday. The committee will vote on this move this Thursday, according to the Washington Times.
This is a direct challenge to a doctor who refused to speak. Paul argues that a presidential pardon removed any fear of jail.
HSGAC is voting on Thursday to hold Anthony Fauci in contempt.
Despite having a pardon from President Biden spanning more than a decade, Fauci refused to answer a single question, even though he knew he couldn’t be charged for crimes during that period. https://t.co/YbxZuCb7Ls
— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) August 4, 2026
"Chairman Paul found the privilege of the Fifth Amendment unsupported as applied to questions pertaining to the period of the pardon and directed Dr. Fauci to answer," the resolution states, citing the Washington Times.
Dr. Fauci received a full pardon from former President Biden in January 2025. This pardon covers crimes from 2014 through the end of the Biden term. Yet, he still refused to answer simple questions.
He wouldn't say what day it was. He wouldn't confirm the color of his tie. He even refused to admit a red folder was in front of him. The Daily Caller reports he only spoke to accuse Paul of an "obvious obsession with calling for my prosecution."
🚨DROPPED: My contempt resolution for Anthony Fauci pic.twitter.com/JKiYEbwgtX
— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) August 4, 2026
Paul says Fauci waived his right to stay silent by giving an opening statement. The senator believes the pardon made the Fifth Amendment useless for this specific inquiry.
Paul told the Washington Examiner that this is a referral to the Justice Department. "It's a referral. It's a recommendation," Paul said. He plans to send a legal brief along with the resolution.
The committee will vote Thursday. Then, they will talk to leadership about a full Senate vote. But the referral to prosecutors is already set in motion.
This process isn't simple. Legal experts say the resolution faces a tough road. It must survive a likely filibuster by Democrats in the Senate.
If it clears that hurdle, the case goes to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. She would be asked to take the matter to a grand jury. According to the Washington Times, the federal grand jury in Washington has historically expressed skepticism toward cases filed by Ms. Pirro.
Even if indicted, Dr. Fauci has arguments to fight back. Experts say he can challenge the committee's investigation. He can also argue his Fifth Amendment rights were valid for state crimes not covered by the pardon.
Paul remains firm on his stance. He argues that the doctor obstructed a congressional investigation. "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 told Breitbart.
The doctor knew he couldn't be charged for federal crimes during the pardoned period. Still, he refused to answer a single question.
When leaders hide behind technicalities, the public loses trust. This vote is about more than one doctor. It is about whether Congress can demand answers.
Dr. Fauci led the federal response to the pandemic. He now faces a vote on whether he broke the law by staying silent. The resolution argues that he forfeited his rights by speaking at all.
The real test is whether the Senate will let a witness hide from the truth. If they do, it sets a dangerous precedent for future hearings.
The vote happens Thursday. The message to the government is clear: silence is not an option when you hold a public trust.