NewsWFLA News Channel 8August 9, 2026Hillsborough
Senate committee approves criminal contempt referral for Dr. Anthony Fauci
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has voted to refer former COVID-19 advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci to the Justice Department for criminal contempt of Congress. The referral follows Fauci's invocation of his Fifth Amendment rights 111 times during recent testimony.
Read the full story at WFLA News Channel 8Why It Matters
The Justice Department must now decide whether to pursue a criminal prosecution against a former high-ranking federal official, a process that involves complex legal and political considerations.
Key Facts
- The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee approved a criminal contempt referral against Dr. Anthony Fauci.
- The referral is based on Dr. Fauci invoking his Fifth Amendment rights 111 times during testimony.
- The decision to prosecute the referral now rests with the Department of Justice.
- The committee vote occurred on Thursday.
Who's Mentioned
personBarbara McQuade“Former U.S. attorney.”personDavid Schertler“Attorney for Dr. Anthony Fauci.”personAnthony Fauci“Former COVID-19 czar and subject of the contempt referral.”other23“Number of grand jurors in a typical D.C. panel.”personDonald Trump“Current President whose administration would decide whether to pursue the case.”personJoe Biden“Former President who issued a pardon to Dr. Fauci.”organizationSenate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee“The committee that voted to approve the criminal referral.”personMolly Gaston“Former federal prosecutor.”personRand Paul“Chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.”personMark Osler“Former federal prosecutor and law professor.”organizationDepartment of Justice“The federal body responsible for deciding whether to prosecute the referral.”personAmanda Vaughn“Former Justice Department attorney.”other111“Number of times Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment.”