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Senate Panel Holds Fauci in Contempt After 100+ Fifths

8/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee held Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress after his July 2026 hearing.
Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times during that hearing.
Senator Rand Paul urged the Justice Department to prosecute Dr. Anthony Fauci after the July 2026 hearing.
Attorney General James Uthmeier and Louisiana and West Virginia attorneys general subpoenaed Dr. Anthony Fauci on Aug. 5, deadline Aug. 31.

History

Historical Context

On February 7 1973 the Senate voted 77-0 to create the Watergate Committee, chaired by Sam Ervin, and on June 25 John Dean testified under granted immunity, sparking national outrage. The panel held hearings and prompted oversight reforms. Today, Dr. Anthony Fauci’s contempt citation revives the same future tension between executive officials and congressional legal subpoenas.

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Story summary

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee held Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress after his July 2026 hearing.
Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times during that hearing.
Senator Rand Paul urged the Justice Department to prosecute Dr. Anthony Fauci after the July 2026 hearing.
Attorney General James Uthmeier and Louisiana and West Virginia attorneys general subpoenaed Dr. Anthony Fauci on Aug. 5, deadline Aug. 31.

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