A U.S. Senate committee voted Thursday to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress, escalating a long-running political battle over the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The vote by the Republican-led Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee refers the former top infectious disease official to the Department of Justice for potential criminal prosecution. The decision follows a contentious hearing last week in which the 85-year-old retired public health leader repeatedly invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, declining to answer questions from lawmakers.

Committee Chairman Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican who has frequently sparred with Fauci over pandemic policies and the origins of COVID-19, championed the resolution. Paul argued that Fauci had no legal liability if he spoke truthfully, noting that former President Joe Biden had previously issued a blanket pardon covering potential federal offenses between 2014 and January 2025.

Fauci defended his decision to remain silent, asserting through his legal counsel that testifying exposed him to potential legal risks outside the scope of federal protection, including state-level actions or perjury accusations. During his opening remarks prior to pleading the Fifth, Fauci accused Paul of conducting an “unhinged obsession” aimed at compelling a statement to fulfill public promises of prosecution.

Democrats on the panel strongly opposed the contempt resolution, voting against the measure and calling the proceedings a partisan spectacle. Ranking Member Gary Peters of Michigan stated that pushing for contempt did nothing to advance public health and warned that targeting public servants risks creating a dangerous precedent for future congressional investigations.

The referral now moves to the Department of Justice, which will determine whether to pursue charges against the former NIAID director.