House GOP’s Proposal to Bar Dr. Fauci from Future Federal Work

The House GOP introduced a proposal targeting Dr. Anthony Fauci, aiming to prevent him from future federal employment. This follows his recent Senate hearing on Capitol Hill.

Dr. Fauci appeared before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, chaired by Sen. Rand Paul from Kentucky. During the session, Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment over 100 times, which has drawn criticism from Republican lawmakers.

“We observed him dodging numerous queries by pleading the Fifth. That’s his constitutional right,” Rep. Rich McCormick stated in a video shared with Fox News Digital. “However, much like in any other job, if an employee refuses to explain discrepancies, they can be terminated. It should be similar within the government.”

Rep. McCormick introduced the STOP the SWAMP Act, designed to prevent individuals from working for the federal government if they refuse to answer specific questions from lawmakers or are convicted of perjury.

The bill also grants Congress members authority to request prosecution of hearing witnesses who unlawfully withhold information. Despite the tensions, Fauci isn’t currently facing criminal charges and has refuted any allegations of misconduct.

Sen. Rand Paul, however, intends to push for contempt charges against Fauci after the hearing. Fauci faced renewed scrutiny regarding his management of the COVID-19 pandemic, a subject magnified by the release of his personal diary detailing the crisis.

Diary entries shared by Sen. Paul reveal Fauci’s reflections on his prominence during the pandemic and discussions surrounding the virus’s origins. Some entries suggest Fauci influenced policies that closed schools amidst the health crisis.

Previously, in January 2024, Fauci testified before the House Oversight Committee, asserting, “I did not close the schools.”

Fauci, who became a central figure in the U.S. COVID-19 response, has received both accolades and criticism throughout his tenure. He led the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases from 1984 until 2022.

For additional stories and updates, Elizabeth Elkind from Fox News Digital covers the House of Representatives. Follow her on Twitter @liz_elkind or send tips to [email protected].