Fauci faces contempt of Congress vote over COVID-19 pandemic testimony

The US Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs voted 8-7 along party lines to hold Dr Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress. This decision follows his refusal to answer questions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic by invoking the Fifth Amendment. Consequently, the committee will refer charges to the Justice Department for potential prosecution. While Republicans pushed the vote through, Democrats criticised the proceedings, describing the hearing as being reminiscent of McCarthy-esque tactics.