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Rand Paul Schedules Vote to Hold Fauci Contempt

8/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Rand Paul (R-KY) scheduled an August 6, 2026 vote to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt.
Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right 111 times and answered no questions.
Paul says Fauci’s Jan 19, 2025 pardon by President Joe Biden removes Fifth Amendment protection.
Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) argues a pardon does not erase Fifth Amendment rights.
The resolution will send a report to the U.S. Attorney for DC for DOJ action.

History

Historical Context

Congress’s 1974 contempt vote against President Richard Nixon—adopted 21-17 after the Watergate tape subpoenas—proved it could force executive compliance. The Senate Judiciary Committee presented thousands of pages of evidence. Senator Rand Paul now cites that precedent while urging a contempt citation for Dr. Anthony Fauci, arguing a future pardon cannot erase Fifth Amendment rights.

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Story summary

Rand Paul (R-KY) scheduled an August 6, 2026 vote to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt.
Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right 111 times and answered no questions.
Paul says Fauci’s Jan 19, 2025 pardon by President Joe Biden removes Fifth Amendment protection.
Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) argues a pardon does not erase Fifth Amendment rights.
The resolution will send a report to the U.S. Attorney for DC for DOJ action.

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