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A U.S. Senate panel voted along party lines Thursday to hold former top infectious disease official Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress, escalating a long-running political battle over the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 8-5 decision by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee came after the retired scientist repeatedly invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during a subpoenaed hearing last week, choosing to decline questions more than 100 times. The resolution charges the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases with failing to fulfill a congressional subpoena, paving the way for potential federal misdemeanor charges.

Committee Chairman Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., argued that constitutional protections against self-incrimination were inapplicable because former President Joe Biden had previously issued Fauci a broad presidential pardon covering his government service. Addressing the panel, Paul insisted that the vote focused strictly on congressional oversight authority rather than pandemic policy, stating that “Dr. Fauci faced no risk of federal prosecution,” and “All he had to do was tell the truth.” Republican lawmakers contended that accepting a pardon required full transparency, asserting that witnesses cannot receive immunity while simultaneously refusing to answer legislative inquiries.

Fauci and committee Democrats rejected that premise, arguing that testimony could expose him to new legal exposure or perjury traps outside the scope of his executive pardon. In his opening remarks at the hearing, the 85-year-old scientist accused the chairman of harboring an “obvious obsession with calling for my prosecution.” Defending his client following the committee’s decision, Fauci’s attorney, David Schertler, described the action as a “crude political stunt intended to punish Dr. Fauci for exercising his constitutional rights.” Democratic lawmakers made several unsuccessful procedural attempts to delay the proceeding, warning that penalizing a witness for claiming constitutional rights would set a dangerous precedent for future legislative oversight.

Following the panel’s vote, Paul indicated plans to bypass a standard vote before the full Senate—where opposition would likely prevent the resolution from reaching the 60-vote threshold needed to clear a filibuster—and hand-deliver the contempt referral directly to federal prosecutors. The move transfers the matter to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington and the Department of Justice, which must determine whether to initiate a formal investigation or seek an indictment. Contempt of Congress is a federal misdemeanor punishable by fines and up to 12 months in prison upon conviction.

The committee’s action represents the latest clash in a multi-year dispute between Paul and Fauci over public health measures, research funding, and the origins of SARS-CoV-2. Prior to the hearing, Republican investigators released thousands of pages of internal government documents, including personal diary entries recorded during the pandemic’s onset. Justice Department officials have confirmed that congressional referrals undergo routine review, though no decision has been announced regarding further legal action against the retired health official.

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Sen. Mitch McConnell was released from a physical rehabilitation facility on Thursday to resume his recovery at home following an extended hospitalization, according to a statement issued by his office. The 84-year-old Kentucky Republican was admitted to the hospital on June 14 after suffering a fall at his Washington, D.C., residence that left him briefly unconscious, along with being treated for a mild case of pneumonia. In his update, McConnell noted, “Earlier today, I was discharged from the rehabilitation center to continue my recovery at home”.

McConnell’s 53-day absence from Capitol Hill represents one of the longest periods of medical leave in his legislative career, during which he missed all Senate roll-call votes. Medical examinations confirmed that the lawmaker did not suffer any bone fractures, concussions, strokes, or cardiac events during the incident. Despite his team releasing periodic photographs to reassure the public, the minimal detail provided early in his recovery prompted bipartisan scrutiny and calls from state leadership, including Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, requesting formal updates on his physical status and ability to serve.

The senator’s prolonged hiatus comes at a critical juncture for Senate Republicans as lawmakers prepare to wrap up business prior to an upcoming five-week August recess. His absence narrowed an already tight voting majority for key party initiatives and pending confirmation votes, including high-profile judicial and administration appointments. The Senate is scheduled to return to Washington on Sept. 14, though McConnell’s office has not specified an exact date for his physical return to the Senate floor.

For the duration of the recess, McConnell plans to focus on regaining mobility through outpatient physical therapy while overseeing legislative operations remotely. “On the advice of my doctors, I’ll maintain an intensive regimen of physical therapy from home during the state work period,” McConnell said, adding, “And I’ll continue to engage with my staff and colleagues on important Senate business”.

Editorial credit: Cliff Owen – Consolidated News Photos (Shutterstock.com)