Democrats block Rand Paul's bid to force Fauci aide testimony in COVID probe

WASHINGTON, DC: Sen Rand Paul’s effort to obtain immunity for a former Anthony Fauci aide failed in the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, after Democrats voted against the request on Wednesday, September 23.

The panel voted 8-7, short of the two-thirds majority required for immunity. 

Paul has been pursuing testimony as part of his investigation into the origins of COVID-19.

The witness worked as Fauci’s special assistant from 2007 until 2022.

She appeared before the committee under subpoena and invoked the Fifth Amendment.

Rand Paul's immunity request falls short

The committee considered a resolution authorizing an application for a court order that would allow the witness to testify with immunity from the use of her testimony in a criminal case.

Federal law requires approval from two-thirds of the committee. 

The vote was 8-7 along party lines in Washington on Wednesday, leaving the resolution without the 10 votes needed on the 15-member panel.

Paul said the witness had concerns about answering questions without immunity and criticized Democrats for rejecting his request.

Sen Maggie Hassan, the committee’s Democratic member present during Wednesday’s committee meeting, said Democrats were open to hearing from the witness but objected to moving forward so quickly.

She said members had learned about the meeting only Tuesday night.

Anthony Fauci previously invoked Fifth Amendment

The latest dispute follows a July hearing in which Fauci repeatedly invoked his Fifth Amendment right while answering questions from Paul’s committee.

Fauci declined to provide substantive answers to questions concerning his role during the pandemic.

On August 6, the committee voted to hold Fauci in contempt of Congress.

Republicans supported the resolution while Democrats opposed it. 

Paul subsequently asked the Justice Department to prosecute Fauci over his refusal to comply with the subpoena.

Reports stated that the DOJ confirmed receipt of the referral.

Fauci’s lawyer said the former federal health official had legitimate grounds for invoking constitutional protections and accused Paul of trying to create a situation in which Fauci could face perjury allegations.

Former aide also refuses testimony

The former aide’s refusal came during the committee’s investigation into the origins of COVID-19 and research involving pathogens.

Paul has said her position placed her within communications relevant to the panel’s inquiry.

The committee subpoenaed her for a closed-door appearance, but she invoked the Fifth Amendment and did not answer questions, according to Paul.

He subsequently sought immunity so she could testify without her answers being used against her in a criminal prosecution.

Paul has not publicly identified the aide in the committee materials describing Wednesday’s vote.

His office has said the investigation will continue through other records and communications.

Probe continues without immunity

Paul said the committee would continue examining the former aide’s emails from the past three years and consider referring her matter to the Justice Department.

Paul has argued that immunity would allow the witness to answer questions without facing criminal exposure. 

Hassan said Democrats want a bipartisan process before using what she described as an extraordinary congressional authority.