A Senate Panel Has Voted to Hold Fauci in Contempt of Congress. What Happens Next?
On Thursday, the Republican-led committee voted 8-7 along party lines to advance the contempt resolution.
Here’s what to know about what that vote means, and what might come next for Fauci.
What does it mean to be held in contempt of Congress?
Contempt of Congress is a federal misdemeanor in which an individual willfully disobeys or impedes a congressional investigation.
A contempt of Congress charge may be levied against someone if they fail to appear before a committee after being subpoenaed, refuse to produce required documents, or refuse to answer questions related to an investigation.
Congress does not hold the power to prosecute or convict someone of the crime; instead, the House or Senate can vote to approve a resolution finding a person in contempt and refer the matter to the executive branch for prosecution.
What comes next after the Senate committee vote?
Under Senate procedure, following a panel vote to approve a contempt resolution like the one on Thursday, the measure then heads to the full chamber for a vote. If it passes there, the case is certified and sent to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
