Dr. Anthony Fauci faces a pivotal moment as the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee prepares to vote on Sen. Rand Paul's resolution to hold him in contempt of Congress after Fauci repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment during a high-profile COVID-19 hearing. Rand Paul argues Fauci obstructed a congressional investigation by refusing to answer questions despite appearing under subpoena and receiving a sweeping presidential pardon. If the resolution advances, the matter could move to federal prosecutors, while Congress could also consider immunity to compel further testimony.

The former chief medical officer declined questions under subpoena, saying Sen. Rand Paul has an “obvious obsession with calling for my prosecution.”

The move by Paul, the chairman of the Senate’s government affairs committee, effectively sidesteps a vote before the entire chamber.

A Senate committee voted to hold Fauci in contempt of Congress.

Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times during a hearing last week, speaking only to deliver his opening statement.

The panel voted along party lines to approve the contempt resolution.