Sens. Rick Scott and Ashley Moody (R-Fla.) joined Republican lawmakers on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in a vote to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress after invoking the Fifth Amendment during a committee hearing on the coronavirus pandemic.
In an 8-5 party-line vote, Republican lawmakers on the committee voted on a resolution recommending that the U.S. Department of Justice hold the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in contempt for refusing to answer questions during the recent hearing.
Florida Senators Demand Accountability
“Fauci refused to tell the American people the truth. So today, we voted to hold him in contempt,” Sen. Scott affirmed on X, writing that “[Fauci] deserves to be held accountable for putting fame ahead of human lives.”
“Dr. Fauci lied to the American people, promoted unjustified mandates that destroyed businesses, disrupted our children’s education, [and] stripped Americans of their freedoms," Sen. Moody wrote.
“Now, he believes he should not have to answer for his actions. His refusal to cooperate with Congress not only obstructs a congressional investigation but is a complete slap in the face to the American people, who deserve answers,” she added, asserting that the U.S. must now hold Dr. Fauci accountable.
Committee Chairman Confirms Referral's Delivery
Following the vote, Chairman of the Committee Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) confirmed that his office will hand-deliver the referral to federal authorities to decide Dr. Fauci’s fate.
“It doesn’t have to go to the House, doesn’t have to be signed by the president, and really doesn’t have to go before the Senate,” Sen. Paul told reporters, assuring the referral’s immediate delivery.
DeSantis Reacts To Senate Committee Vote
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis reacted to the Committee’s vote on social media, praising the effort, but questioning whether the referral would be sufficient to reprimand Dr. Fauci.
“Holding Fauci in contempt is a good first step. Will this just wither on the vine like so many actions of Congress? Or will there actually be accountability?” Gov. DeSantis wrote.
