Democrats block immunity deal for Fauci aide in Senate inquiry
Republicans sought to grant immunity to a former Fauci assistant accused of destroying documents; the motion failed 8-7 along party lines.
What to know
- A Senate committee vote to grant immunity to a former Fauci aide accused of destroying documents failed 8-7 along party lines, requiring two-thirds support.
- Only one Democrat attended in person; six voted no by proxy, while all eight Republicans showed up.
- The aide had previously invoked the Fifth Amendment and refused to answer questions before the committee.
- Republicans, led by Rand Paul, plan to refer the matter to the Department of Justice and vow to continue their investigation.
“I do not want to see Anthony Fauci's assistant go to jail. I want the truth. I think it's pretty obvious today, we only have one Democrat here, we're not going to get it.”
Ron Johnson, Senator (R-WI) · RedState ↗
Rand Paul Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman (R-KY)
Ron Johnson Senator (R-WI)Senate Democrats Homeland Security Committee membersFauci's former aide Witness before committee
How it unfolded 2 developments, newest first · click a bar or a number to jump articles
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Rand Paul pledges DOJ referral and further investigation
Committee Chairman Rand Paul stated after the failed vote that he will send a letter to the Department of Justice requesting prosecution and invited other committee members to sign on. Paul said Democrats showed no interest in the investigation or truth about document destruction.
“For those watching, let me be clear that what just happened here, a majority of the committee voted to seek the truth. All Republicans voted to seek the truth…But not a single one of them is interested in the investigation, or the truth about destruction of federal records.”
— Rand Paul -
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Senate Democrats block immunity motion for Fauci aide
Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Democrats voted against granting immunity to a former Fauci assistant accused of destroying government documents. The motion, requiring two-thirds support, failed 8-7 along party lines. Only one Democrat (Sen. Hassan of NH) appeared in person; six voted no by proxy, while all eight Republicans attended.
“There's no principal reason to vote against giving her immunity, the only reason is that you don't want her to answer, and you do not want to know the truth.”
— Sen. Rand Paul