Anthony Fauci has been held in contempt after refusing to answer 111 questions at last week’s Senate hearing.
Today, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee voted along party lines to advance a resolution that could ultimately result in criminal prosecution.
All eight Republicans voted in favour, while five Democrats opposed it and two more voted against it by proxy.
Before the final vote, Democrats made five attempts to halt or delay proceedings—seeking more documents, testimony from Fauci’s lawyer, a guarantee that any referral would first go before the full Senate, and a court order granting him immunity.
Every attempt failed…
From Dr Peter McCullough
It is very rare for physicians to conceal information from Congress. Most doctors who are called to testify give veracious statements to the best of their ability. Fauci is only the second doctor to invoke his Fifth Amendment rights before Congress and only the third physician to be held in contempt.
🏛️ Invoking the Right to Remain Silent
🩺 Dr. Kevin O’Connor — July 2025
Biden’s own White House physician. On July 9, 2025, Dr. Kevin O’Connor appeared before the House Oversight Committee under subpoena for their investigation into Biden’s mental fitness during his presidency. He pled the Fifth and refused to answer questions — including whether he ever believed Biden was unfit for office and whether he was ever asked to lie about Biden’s health.
His repeated line during the deposition: “I must respectfully decline to answer based on physician-patient privilege and the reliance of my right under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution.”
The committee had subpoenaed him after he declined a voluntary interview. His lawyer, David Schertler — who, incidentally, also represents Fauci — said O’Connor had “no choice” but to invoke the Fifth given the committee’s refusal to limit the scope of questioning. The deposition lasted about 20 minutes, with O’Connor sticking to his script the entire time. There was no contempt vote and no consequences.
🏛️ Held in Contempt of Congress
🏛️ The Most Direct Precedent: Dr. Miles Jones (1999)
In 1999, the House of Representatives held Dr. Miles Jones, a pathologist by training, in contempt of Congress. He ran a company called Opening Lines that procured and sold human fetal tissue to researchers. The House Commerce Committee, then chaired by Rep. Tom Bliley, subpoenaed him to testify about whether fetal body parts were being bought and sold in violation of federal law (42 U.S.C. § 289g-2(a), which makes it a felony to knowingly acquire or transfer human fetal tissue for valuable consideration).
Undercover video had captured Jones admitting to making up to $40,000 in a single week buying and selling fetal tissue, and explicitly stating that “market forces” — not actual costs — determined his prices. He was served a lawful subpoena and simply refused to appear. The House adopted a contempt resolution, and the case was referred for prosecution. What Jones was facing — The statute carried a sentence of no less than one month and no more than one year in prison, plus fines up to $100,000.
The Speaker’s certification was delivered to the U.S. Attorney General, but the DOJ did not take up action.