Kathmandu— Dr. Anthony Fauci has declined a request to appear before a second Senate committee following a contentious hearing and subsequent contempt vote from the Homeland Security Committee, citing concerns that further testimony would be for political purposes. The former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination 100 times during a July 29th hearing regarding his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the August 6th contempt vote. Republicans allege Fauci misled the public, while his legal counsel argues any further compelled testimony would be harassment.

Contempt Vote and Fifth Amendment Invocation

The Senate Homeland Security Committee voted along party lines to hold Dr. Fauci in contempt after he repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment during a hearing on his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The committee’s chairman, Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, has been a vocal critic of Fauci's actions throughout the pandemic and pushed for the contempt finding. Paul argued that Fauci’s invocation of the Fifth Amendment was invalid due to a preemptive pardon issued by President Biden, suggesting he had no legitimate fear of prosecution.

Legal Counsel's Response

In response to a request from Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin to appear before a subcommittee on investigations, Dr. Fauci’s lawyer stated that any attempt to compel his testimony would be an effort to “impermissibly harass or degrade” him for political reasons. The letter indicated Fauci believes further hearings are not about seeking legitimate information but rather about furthering partisan attacks.

Subcommittee Investigation Focus

Senator Johnson, chairman of the subcommittee on investigations, had intended to pursue a separate investigation into Dr. Fauci’s role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. This included planned scrutiny of the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines, areas where Paul has previously expressed skepticism and challenged Fauci's expertise.

The matter has been referred to the Justice Department for potential investigation into whether Dr. Fauci properly exercised his constitutional rights, though no further immediate action is expected from either body.

(With inputs from AP)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.