A US Senate committee has voted to recommend holding former top health official Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress, accusing him of failing to comply with congressional demands related to an ongoing investigation.
Lawmakers supporting the measure argue that Fauci did not fully cooperate with requests for documents and testimony, and that holding him in contempt is necessary to enforce congressional oversight powers.
Fauci and his supporters have rejected the allegations, maintaining that he has acted within the law and has cooperated with investigations where appropriate. They argue that the move is politically motivated and lacks sufficient legal justification.
The committee's vote does not by itself impose penalties. Any further action would depend on additional congressional procedures and, potentially, decisions by the US Department of Justice or the courts.
The development marks the latest chapter in the political and legal disputes surrounding Fauci, who served as one of the leading public health officials during the COVID-19 pandemic and has remained a controversial figure in US politics.