A Senate committee voted Thursday to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress, advancing an audacious effort by Republicans to prosecute the well-known scientist over his role in the US government response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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.

Former top infectious disease official referred to Justice Department for potential prosecution

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.

The Senate Homeland Security Committee is holding a vote to hold former top health official Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress.