Sen. Ron Johnson Seeks Fauci Accountability and Discusses Filibuster Strategy

6 days ago 0

Senator Ron Johnson from Wisconsin shared an update about his efforts to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci responsible for his management of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also discussed his new filibuster strategy in the Senate during an interview on the ‘Ruthless’ podcast.

Johnson criticized the COVID-19 response as a failure that restricted freedom. He stated, ‘It didn’t work. I mean, it simply didn’t work. And the fact that Fauci has skated now for six years without accountability, this begins that accountability.’

As the chair of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Johnson authored a report claiming the Biden administration misled the public during the pandemic.

Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., speaks during an event. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

The interview occurred shortly after the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee released Fauci’s daily journal entries. These entries detail his rise to fame, interactions with the Trump and Biden administrations, and thoughts on the virus’s origins—a topic still debated.

Dr. Anthony Fauci is scheduled to testify at a Senate Homeland Security hearing. His approach to pandemic management, public health measures, virus origins, and alleged ties to a Chinese lab are contentious among Republicans.

“I appreciate Chairman Paul calling this hearing, doggedly getting the documents,” Johnson said, “it’s like pulling teeth getting these documents.”

Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, served on COVID task forces under Presidents Trump and Biden. He stepped down as chief medical advisor in 2022.

Dr. Anthony Fauci testifying at the House Oversight and Accountability Committee. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Johnson, who now holds the top position in the Senate Budget Committee, also discussed a new approach to the Senate’s filibuster process. He expressed concern that Democrats might eliminate the filibuster if they regain full control of Congress.

Johnson proposed a strategy to record opposition votes regarding the filibuster. He said, ‘The only way I can see Democrats not ending the filibuster is if you have to get them on the record voting not to end it. Make sure that it is hard-and-fast Senate rule that you can only end the filibuster with 67 votes.’