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◆ Mixed look for PaulCongress / MembersCriminal Justice

Rand Paul says Fauci contempt referral will go straight to the DOJ

Paul said he planned to send the contempt referral directly to the Justice Department rather than wait for a full Senate vote.

Rand Paul says Fauci contempt referral will go straight to the DOJ
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This article1 analysis · Oct 1, 2026
Fox News
Aug 6, 2026
tl;dr

Rand Paul said he plans to send a criminal contempt referral against Anthony Fauci directly to the Justice Department, bypassing a full Senate vote. Republican senators disagreed over the legal and procedural risks of that approach.

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Rand Paul R · KY · SEN
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Rand Paul
R · KY · SEN

Senator leading the effort to refer the contempt matter to the Justice Department

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Todd Blanche
R · Attorney General

Acting attorney general addressed in Hawley’s planned memo

Former president who issued Fauci’s pardon

Mike Rounds
R · SD · SEN

Senator questioning the legal basis for holding Fauci in contempt

James Lankford
R · OK · SEN

Senator warning about the procedural route and its precedent

J.D. Vance
Vice President of the United States

Vice president who could certify the resolution as President of the Senate

Josh Hawley
R · MO · SEN

Senator preparing a memo urging the Justice Department to pursue a contempt case

Ashley Moody
R · FL · SEN

Senator supporting Paul’s referral approach

ALSO MENTIONED  Anthony Fauci, Former White House COVID adviser facing the contempt effort

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30 OUTLETS
Rand Paul Leads Senate Committee Vote to Hold Fauci in Contempt

The Senate committee voted along party lines to hold Anthony Fauci in contempt after he invoked the Fifth Amendment during testimony; Rand Paul led the effort and said he would refer the matter to the Justice Department. Left-leaning outlets stress objections to the vote and the exchange over its precedent. Center outlets emphasize the vote, the competing legal arguments and what may happen next. Right-leaning outlets more often present the vote as accountability for Fauci’s refusal to answer, with some strongly criticizing Fauci and opponents.

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