Fauci Rejects Second Senate Appearance After GOP Contempt Vote
Dr. Anthony Fauci declined to appear voluntarily before a second Senate subcommittee on Friday, August 14, 2026, after Republicans moved to hold him in contempt over his earlier testimony.[1]
Fauci's lawyer told Sen. Ron Johnson that compelling another appearance would "impermissibly harass or degrade" him for political purposes.[1] His refusal raises the prospect of a legal fight over subpoenas and whether Congress can force him to testify.
At a July 29, 2026 hearing, Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment roughly 100 times.[1] That prompted the Homeland Security Committee on August 6 to vote along party lines to hold him in contempt and seek a Justice Department referral.[1]
Sen. Rand Paul contends Fauci cannot invoke the Fifth because President Joe Biden issued him a preemptive pardon.[1] Republicans say that argument undercuts Fauci's legal shield as they press for more hearings and a DOJ probe.
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📌 Key Facts
- On Friday, August 14, 2026, Dr. Anthony Fauci declined to appear voluntarily before a second Senate subcommittee.
- Fauci's lawyer told Sen. Ron Johnson that compelling another appearance would "impermissibly harass or degrade" him for political purposes.
- At a July 29, 2026 hearing, Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment roughly 100 times, leading the Homeland Security Committee on August 6 to vote along party lines to hold him in contempt and seek a DOJ referral.
- Sen. Rand Paul contends Fauci cannot invoke the Fifth because President Joe Biden has issued him a preemptive pardon.
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